Senior Edition of The Mycenaean 2017

Volume XXIV, Issue 4

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

INDEX

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FIND OUT WHERE YOUR CLASSMATES ARE GOING

OFFICIAL SUPERLATIVE WINNERS

News........................2-3 All Through the Years........4-5 Teacher Reflections................7 Senior Reflections................8-9 4 Year Lettermen.............10-11 Senior Map......................12-13 Superlatives...............14-21 Staff Survey....................23-24

The Mycenaean @LRHSnews

THROUGH THE YEARS PAGES 4-5

PAGES 12-13

PAGES 14-21

Class of 2017 Senior Issue

Konrad: #1 from the start By: Ashley Tysiac Staff Writer

Kate Konrad’s main goal was not to win the distinction of valedictorian.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve striven for [valedictorian],” said Konrad. “It just kind of happened.”

Although it wasn’t her objective, Konrad won the honor of being the valedictorian of the Leesville Class of 2017 with an outstanding grade point average of 5.36. In the fall, she will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and plans to major in neuroscience and biomedical engineering. In terms of the future, she isn’t sure what she wants to do with her major.

One who doesn’t shy away from challenges, Konrad aims to rise above the expectations set by her

teachers and peers.

During her high school career, Konrad excelled in 14 AP classes and took just two academic courses: PE and Latin II. Although taking so many advanced courses may seem like an extremely rigorous task, she was genuinely fascinated with the material taught in each class.

“I’ve taken the classes that I’ve been interested in and that I felt would challenge me,” said Konrad. “This is the result.”

Taking so many AP classes resulted in many long nights for Konrad, consumed by her studies.

Sometimes she goes to bed anytime between 12:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. when she has a significant amount of homework, but she usually sleeps for six hours each night.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

More about Konrad: Cumulative GPA:

College:

5.36

UNC at Chapel Hill

Favorite class:

Favorite movie:

AP US History

The Lord of the Rings

Hardest class:

Favorite music:

AP Chemistry

Billy Joel

During our time at Leesville...

Homecoming Themes ‘16 -‘17-- “Through the Years” ‘15 -‘16 -- “Disney” ‘14 -‘15 -- “Harvest Ball” ‘13 -‘14 -- “Back to the Future”

Plays & Musicals

‘16 -‘17-- Peter and the Starcatcher & Bring it On ‘15 -‘16 -- The Odd Couple & Little Shop of Horrors ‘14 - ‘15 -- Vacancy in Paradise & Legally Blonde ‘13 - ‘14 -- Great Gatsby & Grease

Prom Themes

‘16 -‘17 -- “Welcome to Wonderland” ‘15 -‘16 -- “A Night Among the Stars”

Class Slogan

“LEGEN17ARY”

Class Song I’m Good - The Mowgli’s

Class Motto

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Two-Time Student Section Showdown Winners!

Sim goes above and beyond By: Jacob Phillips Staff Writer

Jun Sim redefines the meaning of going above and beyond as a student. Sim was raised thirty minutes outside of Seoul, South Korea, and he attended school there through fourth grade. Sim started school in the United States in fifth grade but didn’t see himself as particularly smart or bright.

“In the beginning, I would just get by. I’d do well, but I wasn’t the getting-every-question-righton-the-test type of kid,” said Sim. He had been learning English since third grade but mostly the theory and grammar--not actual speaking. This language barrier initially held him back, especially the cultural aspect.

“That was the hardest part of coming here,” said Sim. “I would

substitute English words into Korean expressions, but it wouldn’t have the same meaning in English. In my head, it would make sense, but other people would be like, ‘What are you talking about?’”

In the time since then, Sim has become one of the most successful students at Leesville. Sim has taken a plethora of difficult classes at Leesville, ranging from AP US History and AP Chemistry to Calculus III. On top of this, Sim has also been appointed as the student conductor for the LRHS Marching Band as well as the section leader for flute, in addition to debating for Leesville’s Model UN club.. Even further, Sim has played on the LRHS Varsity Tennis team all four years--not because he was the best, but because he loved to play with his friends.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

More about Sim: Cumulative GPA:

College:

5.28

Georgia Tech

Favorite class:

Favorite movie:

Calculus III

Interstellar

Hardest class: AP Language & Composition

Favorite music: Bag Raiders

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

Kate Konrad Con’t hard to meet the expectations of God. The self-motivation that Konrad has to excel in school sets her apart from the rest of her peers.

Heather Dinkenor, Konrad’s AP Literature and Composition teacher and junior marshal advisor, said that her attentiveness makes her an amazing student.

“She is so conscientious about every detail,” said Dinkenor. “She goes beyond what is expected and sets her own bar.”

Jun Sim Con’t However, this wasn’t enough for Sim--he wanted to learn at the highest level available to him.

Although he was not admitted by the North Carolina School of Science and Math, he was accepted to their online program, meaning he could take a full course load at Leesville while enrolling in special classes at NCSSM. “The classes I took were very different. I got to take discrete math at a higher level, as well as classes in Euler’s Theorem, Cir-

cuit Theory, and Cryptography.

My senior year, I started doing computational science, which is using coding and software to conduct modeling,” said Sim. Right now, Sim is taking a course in Medicinal Chemistry, a blending of human anatomy and organic chemistry for drug development.

In the fall, Sim will continue his interest in biomedical engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

By: Erin Darnell Staff Writer

While most seniors are preparing for college, entering the workforce, or joining the military, Georgia Suddath is preparing to spend the next year traveling through Asia. She will start this August by spending six weeks in India and then traveling to Nepal for four weeks, followed by another four weeks in Bali. From there, she will return home for the holidays to visit her family. After spending a little time at home, Suddath will head south, spending three weeks in Haiti, finishing her adventure with nine weeks in Costa Rica.

She will be traveling with Plan My Gap Year, a British travel organization, alongside other students who are also taking a gap year. Plan My Gap Year is an organization that provides unique opportunities for students to travel and volunteer in countries in Africa and Asia.

As she travels, she will be doing work with children and the environment within each respective community she is staying in.

She will stay in a group home with

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF GEORGIA SUDDATH

Konrad constantly studied for advanced classes in groups with her friends, a secret to her success. While taking AP U.S. History, she and four other friends used whiteboards and sticky notes to study class material and always made sure to have some gummy worms to snack on.

Konrad’s support from her family and friends motivated her to continuously challenge herself academically. She is also religious and said she always wants to work

Suddath plans for adventures in her future

Suddath traveled to Thailand during the summer of 2015. She was immersed in the culture and made some friends along the way, such as this sweet elephant.

the other students in the program.

Suddath is most excited about the prospect of working with children, especially those in orphanages, during her travels.

“It’s going to be scary to land in India and navigate by myself, but I feel like you are going to be scared wherever you go in college, and [I won’t be gone for very long] so I’ll be able to come home and see everybody,” said Suddath regarding her nerves about the trip.

To pay for such a large trip, Suddath created a GoFundMe page for her family and friends to donate to. She has also been conscious of flight prices, as her

food and lodging is provided for through the organization she is traveling with.

While some have already decided their career paths, this trip provides Suddath with a unique opportunity to discover the direction she wants to take toward a future career.

“I want to do something international[ly] based in college and in [my career], but I want to find more of the route I want to take. [Whether] I want to focus more on the environmental side or the humanities side, so [I just want] to find more of a path,” said Suddath.

What you need to know before freshman year of college PHOTO COURTESY OF MAGGIE POLLARD

The Mycenaean contacted students from Leesville’s class of 2016 who have just completed their freshman years of college. The students gave insightful advuice regarding how to navigate the daunting freshman year.

“Make sure your time management skills are on point before college...In college you have no parameters and ample free time, and it becomes a blessing but can also be a curse if you can’t manage your time on your own.”

-- Parker Yount, UNC-CH “Get involved in all the student organizations that you have time for, watch your diet...Be prepared to drop a class, switch your major or change your future plans.”

-- Will Denton, Penn State

After four years of hard work and dedication, Sim and Konrad were named as Leesville’s salutatorian and valedictorian. The Mycenaean wishes them the best!

“Sleep as much as you can. It’s a precious thing.”

-- John Stout, ECU “Definitely don’t be afraid to ask for help from anyone! People can let their pride get in the way of being the best version of themselves. I’ve seen a lot of people at UNC fall victim to mental illness/stress/anxiety because they were too afraid to reach out for support from friends, the school, etc.”

-- Heather Crew, UNC-CH

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

Hopper designs her future By: Heidi Kreis Editor-in-Chief

Staff Writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF MADELYN LEEN

“She plans to devote her time creating a fashion line for disabled people.”

By: Tyler Stocum

Hopper works on a piece for her Family and Consumer Sciences Advanced Studies class. She has also created a tote bag, another dress and even her own fabric at an NC State Apparrel Program.

However, Hopper does not aspire to be your average fashion designer. Instead, she plans to devote her time to creating a fashion line for disabled people. After Hopper’s brother, a Leesville alumni, was involved in an accident causing trauma to his spinal cord, Colby saw the need for clothes that are more easily accessible for the disabled population. “[Disabled people] often have trouble getting in and out of clothing,” said Hopper. She plans to use sustainable materials that are “good for the environment” for her designs, as well.

Because of the competitiveness

of the program, the College of Textiles admits 32 undergraduate students for each academic school year. Although she was confident in her abilities in her Apparel classes at Leesville, she was unaware of how she would compare on a national level.

In addition to being accepted into the college of her choice, Hopper was also offered a scholarship that will pay for her to study abroad. On an Apparel class field trip to the Flourish Market, Hopper was introduced to a woman who travels to Africa to teach women how to sew and create their own products. Because of this experience, Hopper hopes to

utilize her scholarship to see Africa and its textile mills.

Before high school, Hopper did not have a specific interest in fashion design or textiles. However, because of her mother’s encouragement, Hopper signed up for Apparel I where she met Ms. Blackwelder. Over the past several semesters, Blackwelder has become a mentor for Hopper in her Apparel studies.

Regarding her immediate future plans, Hopper plans to spend her freshmen year “seeing what State has to offer.” She hopes to begin her degree in Textiles and Design, while also earning a minor in Business.

Jared Leins is a senior baseball player at Leesville, whose goal has always been to play baseball at the collegiate level.

Leins was able to accomplish that goal this past July when he announced his commitment to the United States Naval Academy for baseball. He received scholarship offers from other schools but chose Navy because of his family’s rich military background.

“Not only does attending the Naval Academy allow me to play Division I baseball but it pushes me to be the best that I can be in all aspects of life,” said Leins.

Plebes Summer is a mandatory training at the Academy that all incoming freshmen complete over the summer before regular classes begin. Leins will report to the Academy on June 28th where he will begin the summer training program.

He believes it will be a challenging and an eventful time as he adjusts to the military lifestyle and rigorous academic courses.

Leins looks forward to all the friendships he will make through the Academy and the baseball team. “These are friends that I’ll have for the next four years and

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF JARED LEINS

Colby Hopper, senior, achieved her dream of being accepted to NC State University’s College of Textiles. As the #1 global leader in textiles, the College of Textiles at NC State will allow Hopper to realize her goals of become a fashion designer.

Leins prepares for the US Naval Academy

after that, they will be my ship mates,” said Leins.

He plans to major in mechanical or systems engineering. After his graduation from the Academy, Leins hopes to attend flight school where he would become a Naval pilot or a Naval flight officer.

There are many challenges going forward that Leins will be faced with that give him some butterflies, but he knows it will help to build his character. “The key for me is going to be staying positive and working through tough times.

I’ll have my peers and friends with me for all four years helping me through the challenges and struggles I’ll be faced with,” said Leins.

In loving memory of our seniors Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure. Loving you always, forgetting you never.

William Baily Smith 1999-2015

Jonathan Lewis 1998-2016

Lauren Jenkins 1999-2017

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

All Through Blast from the Past For the past few years, Hollywood has taken to remaking some of the most classic films and T.V. shows from the 1990s and 2000s. The Mycenaean decided to take a look at some of the most prominent reboots since the class of 2017 started high school.

Social Media and T.V: Then and now

Beauty and the Beast

By: Will Sease Senior Editor

1991

2017

Power Rangers

1993

2017

Full House

1987

For most of us, the practice of flipping channels is a forgotten pastime.

When we were small, most of our parents probably shelled out the extra bucks for cable, though some of us probably just had a few channels come in the old fashioned way.

Perhaps the distinction between the world we were born in and the world we live in is allegorized in how America’s couch-potato pastime has changed over our lifetimes. The old model, cable and antenna television, symbolized a consumerism in which we had no choice. The various networks competed to catch our attention but ultimately told us what was on instead of asking us what we wanted to watch. Today, we hold more control of what we want and when we want it. A TV show starts and stops when we de-

2016

Harry Potter

By: Heidi Kreis Editor-in-Chief

**Disclaimer: This article may remind you of a painful, embarrassing social media past. Read with caution.**

2001

2016

Star Wars

1977

2015

On May 13, 2017, I officially turned 18; I could buy lottery tickets and register to vote but, more importantly, I could change my Facebook birthday from 1993 to 1999. Although underclassmen and middle schoolers may see Facebook as a boring application for “old” people, they will come to learn that Facebook is making a comeback among young adults.

cide it should.

However, the trade-in of the rustic cable model for shiny new internet services was not entirely an upgrade.

There is, of course, the obvious negative that services like Netflix or Roku aren’t generally capable of the versatility necessary to watch live sports or quickly check the news. However, we must consider what a dramatic cultural shift this is.

The afternoon lineups of FOX, CBS, ABC and NBC are inconsequential to us now; we’re too good to let the television boss us around. We’re not going to sit down at a specific time to watch one episode of a new series. That’s all the better for our productivity, perhaps.

But consider what a dramatic cultural shift this is. For decades, millions of Americans sat in front of the idiot box for hours a night, every night. While individual tastes varied, for the most part people across America watched

For current high school seniors, Facebook was the most popular social media platform during middle school. However, after “liking” over 3000 pages, such as “Twilight”, “Crazy Frog” and “Hollister” and adding everyone as a friend on Facebook, our profiles were cluttered and our timelines messy. Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter gained popularity, giving tweens a chance to start over on social media, making Facebook irrelevant.

However, as underclassmen will learn, most universities use Facebook to connect students with roommates.

The Facebook group for one’s future school will become an important outlet into that university’s incoming freshman class.

Since joining my university’s Facebook group, I have noticed two types of posts: “I made this profile to find a roommate” and “I haven’t used Facebook since middle school; don’t judge

largely the same thing. The coveted 8 p.m. slot was largely filled with sitcoms trying to outdo Seinfeld or Friends and most of us had no choice but to accept what we were given.

Contrast this with the cultural experience streaming provides. Very few of us have tastes that miraculously adhere to those programs which are considered popular (13 Reasons Why, Stranger Things, Orange is the New Black). Many instead opt for less popular programming largely ignored by popular culture. In the culture of streaming, chances are you probably eschew a portion of popular culture in exchange for programming that more uniquely appeals to you.

When we think of the 1950’s, we think of a family huddled around a television watching some mindless sitcom about a family like themselves.

However, there were many other demographics that simply weren’t served by the major networks. The future is endlessly more individualistic, for better or for worse. A culture where people take only that which they desire and leave the rest. What better to represent our generation?

my old selfies.” So yes, our Facebooks were either deleted long ago or still contain our iPod III selfies. It is time for high schoolers, as current seniors have noticed, to clean up their Facebook profiles because they will be used in the future, whether it is to communicate with grandma or find a future roommate.

Although the awful “LmS fOr A tRuTh Is <3” are over, Facebook isn’t.

I promise, based on personal experience, it is possible to clean up your facebook-- unlike “Aeropostale” and “3OH!3”, delete “Miss CoOkIe MoNsTeR” from your friends list and create a profile that will suit your current identity.

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

the Years Fashion Through The Years 1998

Skechers Twinkle Toes Were you really a 2000’s toddler is you didn’t have a pair? Decked out with glitter, ribbons, sparkles, and bright colors, these shoes were it at the playground.

2000

2003

Juicy Track Suits Style combined with comfort? Yes, please.

These velvet suits were the ultimate cool factor, all the celebrities wore them and so did you. While the trend didn’t last very long, when they were popular, they were the only thing to wear.

Every kid who owned a pair of Heelys felt cool while rolling down the halls of school in the trendy sneakers. Heelys have one to two heels on the bottom of each shoe, allowing the wearer to roll across the ground, similar to inline skates.

Spiked Hair Only the coolest, edgiest people could pull of the spiked hair with style (some would argue that no one could, but that’s beside the point). As the hairstyle of choice for pop-punk bands and boybands everywhere, the spiked hair trend let you flaunt your bad boy status.

Bedazzled Pokets

Jeans with bedazzled pockets were all the range with the mid to late 2000s. The rhinestones caught the eye of women and girls everywhere. To be truly stylish in 2008, you had to own a pair of bedazzled jeans.

2011

2014

Birks and Basketball Shoes

Nowadays, the shoes make or break your outfit. Birkenstocks, nicknamed “Birks” have become hugely popular for girls trying to rock the “last supper” style. For guys, glitzy basketball shoes have become a fashion staple.

The more brands and colors that deck out the shoe, the cooler you are.

Although most of us think about the 90s when we talk about chokers, they are actually rumored to have originated with Anne Boleyn, who was accused by her crazy ex-husband of adultery, incest, and conspiracy and promptly beheaded. They continued to come back in style throughout history, with it recently emerging once again in the fashion world. Hopefully we all get to keep our heads this time though.

2005

2008

Heely’s

Chokers

2017

Snapbacks Every middle school boy who worth his Nike socks wore snapbacks. They were perfect for every outfit, even becoming fairly popular among girls too. Snapbacks were well known for their versatility and their “too cool for school” vibe.

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

Teacher Reflections

Although many of us probably can’t believe it, our teachers weren’t born as fully-grown adults; they were teenagers at one time and went through high school, just like the rest of us. The Mycenaean reached out to some of the teachers at Leesville and asked them about their high school experiences. Here are their responses.

Math Teacher

I graduated from Southern Wayne High School, in Mount Olive, NC, in a class of about 400 students. I liked my high school, and I enjoyed my years there. I kept busy with academics and with extra-curricular activities: I was a student government officer, a member of Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD), a member of National Honor Society, a Spanish club officer, and a cheerleader for four years. I played softball both as a freshman and a

sing to remember the quadratic formula. I borrowed that from Mrs. Blackwelder. I do not, however, bring in a piano.

During my graduation ceremony, I found myself reflecting on my twelve years of school. Some of my friends at the same ceremony were people with whom I began the first grade. Many of those people have moved away from Wayne County but most have stayed in North Carolina, so we are close enough to be able to get together once in a while. When I visit with school friends, even briefly, I realize how important they were to my development as an educator and as a person.

I am glad that I, as a high school student, did not have to deal with the kinds of stresses students face today, though I am confident I would have been able to manage given the strong parental support I had. I am thankful for my years at Southern Wayne and for my years in the small town of Mount Olive. A little town is in many ways like an extended family. It is an environment in which everyone takes some part in the nurturing of the children.

Bouchard recalls her time at Leesville By: Alexandra Bouchard Spanish Teacher

Everything has come full circle for me as I look to the end of my first year teaching at Leesville. Before returning to Leesville to teach in August, it had been a few years since I had walked these halls as a student. Coming back to teach brought back a lot of great memories from my time as a student here.

There is a reason I ended back at the school I graduated from and the teachers who taught me played a large part in that, especially my Spanish teachers. Señor Ross and Señora Sollie were two

teachers who sparked my interest in Spanish and always pushed me to do my best whether it was at the beginning of Spanish 1 with Señora Sollie or finishing out my high school Spanish career at the end of AP Spanish with Señor Ross. I knew they were always going to push me and help me in any way they could.

In addition to realizing my love for Spanish as a high schooler at Leesville, I was also actively involved in the LRHS Dance program and was a member of Dance Ensemble as a senior. I loved being a part of Dance Ensemble. It helped me learn to collaborate with my peers. It also helped me

break out of my comfort zone and get to know other students around the school. We collaborated with the band for pep rallies and other student organizations throughout the year.

When I think back on high school, I have so many great memories. The teachers I had, the friends I made, and the organizations I was a part of all played a huge part in making high school such a positive experience for me. I am glad these experiences helped shape me into the person I am. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the same Leesville community that such an influential part of my life.

By: Elizabeth Tibbetts Math Teacher

I grew up in East Aurora, which is small town outside of Buffalo, NY. This community was very homogenous - all upper class, white families. There were no exceptions. Pretty much everyone went to a 4 year college. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life; I just knew I was expected to go to college.

I was in high school in the late ‘70s. My graduating class was 300 people. Everyone knew everyone, and we had all been friends since kindergarten, or earlier.

We had a smoking area at school. This was an outside, covered area near one of the entrances into the school. Both teachers and students were allowed to use this area. People went out there during the change of classes, study hall, or lunch.

High school was easy for me.

I was an “A” student and really didn’t have to put forth much effort. College was a bit of a shock to me. I actually had to do the assigned work, I was forced to become organized, and I had to

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF ELIZABETH TIBBETTS

Tibbetts reminisces on the ‘70s high school

work hard to get the grades that my parents expected of me.

I was involved in band and played sports. I played field hockey and basketball. The girls’ basketball team was not good at all.

We never won a game during the 4 years that I was on the team. L I was also involved in numerous clubs; NHS, Spanish club, student council.

Life in the late ‘70s was so different than it is now. No cable TV, and no remote controls for the TV. We had 7 or 8 stations (depending on the weather). We were able to get Canadian TV stations as well as ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS. There

were no cell phones or cordless phones. When we talked with our friends on the phone you pulled the cord as far as it could reach to get some privacy. Sometimes you were in a closet, sometimes you went outside, sometimes you were stuck in a room with your parents.

Phone calls were not long, other people in the family needed to use the phone as well.

Because the economy was not good in the late ‘70s, part time jobs for high school students were very hard to find. Most kids did not own cars -- we just used the family station wagon. We spent most of our time hanging around, either at the park or at someone’s house.

When I look back on my high school days, I smile. I had a wonderful time: I was happy and I thought everyone was as lucky as I was. Many of my high school friends still live in East Aurora.

Some never left and some returned to raise their families there. I am still very close with my high school friends and enjoy seeing them when I am in town for family visits.

By: James “Trey” Ferguson Math Teacher

I loved to act as a kid. In the fifth grade, I played a munchkin in the Community Theater of Greensboro’s production of The Wizard of Oz and treasured every minute of the experience. The older kids in the production would talk about their theater classes and music lessons at their high school, Weaver Academy, and I knew it was the place for me.

Since the time I was 10-years old, I was enamored with the Weaver Academy, a higher-level arts school in Greensboro. So when I was selected to attend for theater, I—unlike many rising ninth graders—was elated to start high school.

It was a very different experience from your traditional high school, but then again the student population was made up of very different kinds of kids. You would walk into the school each

day, and kids would be playing their guitars or singing a song from Wicked. Instead of Friday night football games (because there were no sports teams), there were theatrical performances and orchestra concerts.

The school is located in downtown Greensboro, so our performances were well attended and part of the “cultural scene.” Often times we would have more folks in our theater than the local high schools had in their stadiums.

Throughout my four years there, I tried a little of everything.

Obviously, I appeared in plays and musicals while also working backstage on lights and set. I took a basic musicianship class, despite not playing an instrument, where I composed an original song as my final project. In my script writing class, I wrote a one-act that won second place in a state contest and was later performed by college theater students. I helped put up molding in one of the houses the carpentry teacher built every year.

And I learned to weld in an Automotive Collision & Repair class.

Academically, the classes were rigorous, but every teacher was committed to their students’ success and passionate about what they taught. You would think I would have pursued working with a professional theater company, post-graduation; however, it was these teachers that made me realize what I wanted to do—make a difference in the classroom.

Argao looks back on high school By: Gabriel Argao Science Teacher

I went to a normal-sized school in the south suburbs of Chicago with about 1,000 students. My graduating class was about 240 students, and it was a generally blue-collar population. My life consisted of going to school, getting good grades in college-track classes, and going directly home to either do homework, watch TV, or hang out with my sister.

I was a minority in high school.

My school was about 2 percent Asian (meaning maybe 4 people in my class identified with being an Asian/Pacific Islander), and I didn’t have a close group of friends. Instead, I tended to jump around between different circles of friends while never feeling like I belonged to one. I experienced all the typical stories you hear about when you think about being a minority. Bullying, name calling, and even the friendly passive ones, like “you should date so and so because you would look really cute together”. Of course, the “so and so” was the only Asian girl in school.

Without a close group of friends nor athletic talent, I joined all the scholastic clubs I could. I joined clubs like Mathletes, Scholastic Bowl, Student Council, and National Honor Society to find friends that I could relate to (and it also didn’t hurt on my college applications). Sure, I met friendly people, but I never clicked with any one group so I was normally an outsider. My school was super cliquey: jocks with jocks, hippies with hippies, and so on and so forth. I didn’t fit anywhere. Dur-

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF GABRIEL ARGAO

By: Jennifer Yost

sophomore. When I reflect upon my time in high school, I do not remember that my friends and I were under the stresses I see students under today. My high school did not offer the number of AP classes to which today’s high school students have access. Sometimes I see that as a bonus. We also did not have cell phones. We conversed with each other at school and on the home telephone to plan our weekend activities. I worked hard in high school; and I did well, but I also enjoyed my time with my friends.

We were kids.

My favorite teacher was Mrs. Beverly Blackwelder, my senior year math teacher. She was interactive, and she expected the same of her students. Every day we had to explain at least one math problem to the class, using the correct math terminology of course. I loved that she pushed me to be better. I loved her enthusiasm.

Some days she would use a piano as part of her lesson. She would play, and she was talented, while we sang songs that would help us remember formulas or important concepts. I hope some of my students will remember the song we

Ferguson remarks on his ‘theater kid’ days

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF JAMES FERGUSON

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF JENNIFER YOST

Yost shares her memories from her small-town high school

ing lunch, everyone sat with their stereotypical groups.

I sat at the girl’s table. Not to brag, but I was pretty popular with the ladies. Not in a romantic way though. No one saw me as someone they would date, but they did invite me to sit at their table to listen and talk about girl things.

Basically, they felt comfortable asking me for information about other guys. I didn’t care. I liked being called sweet and nice, and I made them laugh.

Overall, if I had to choose a word that would describe how I felt during most of my time in high school, it would be “lonely”.

I should have branched out more.

I should have taken classes that weren’t only for college and getting in the top 10 of my class. I found out later in life that I have some talent with mechanical and electrical engineering, so I wish I took automotive classes or computer programing classes in high school. Senior year, I finally took the advice of the girls at my lunch table and even went to prom with that Asian girl in my class. Twenty-one years and 3 kids later with her, I wouldn’t say my time in high school ended lonely.

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

Senior Reflections Counting the days

By Makayla Mack Guest Writer

PHOTO USE BY PERMISSION OF MACKAYLA MACK

Plenty of people say “don’t count the days, make each day count,” or something cliché like that, but I’ll be the first to admit I’ve been counting the days, and I know that most of you reading this have been doing the same. In fact, I’ve been counting since the very first day of high school and I’ll continue counting them until it’s the last. However, despite the constant sleepiness, frustration with teachers, screaming matches with parents, and staying up all hours of the night to get an A (or a B at least), I’ve found it all to be worth it...sort of. I won’t lie and say I’d do it all over again; who wants to wait another year to start the rest of their lives?

One of the good things to come from this year is the lessons. Per-

sonally, I learned that getting a 79.5 in a class is absolutely fine, kissing that stupid boy wasn’t the end of the world and watching one more episode on Netflix was totally justifiable. I also regret some things I did this year.

For example, I decided to sign up for every AP class and my little heart couldn’t handle it. If you’re reading this as an underclassman, don’t do what I did.

I’m not dumb, this year wasn’t the best year of my life like they claimed it would’ve become. It can’t be, I have an entire life ahead of me. As cheesy as it sounds, the best is yet to come, and I think we give these four years a little too much credit. However, I will say that I’ve had fun, I’ve grown more in this last year than any of the others combined, and I know I’m ready to face whatever awaits me outside of the public school system.

Makayla Mack poses with Othman Fatfat and Ashley Gill, seniors. Mack accompanied Fatfat as his Homecoming Court escort.

A word from your student body president By: Ardeshir Pirzadeh Guest Writer

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF ARDESHIR PIRZADEH

June 11th, 2017. This will be the final day we as a senior class can call ourselves seniors at Leesville Road High School. Back in March, when I was asked to write a reflection for the senior edition of the Mycenaean, I hadn’t really grasped the concept that four years of my life would be coming to an end in a few short weeks. When I look back on my four years, I see highs and lows but really I see a foundation.

High school will forever be the backbone of who I have become and who I will come to be. When reflecting on the past four years, certain things come to mind: student council, varsity tennis, and most of all, lack of sleep. But ultimately, none of that really mat-

ters.

For the past year, I have served as Leesville Road High School’s Student Body President. However, not many people know that I was also the President of The North Carolina Association of Student Councils. Under both of these positions, I worked with Leesville’s executive council to host a state convention in March. This opportunity proved to me that Leesville has an amazing community.

Executive council, with the help of many others, tirelessly worked for over a year to make the convention come to life. Seeing everyone work together was a true reflection of what it means to be a member of the Pride and Loonie Community.

In my time at Leesville, I have come to realize one thing: we are all the same. No matter what grade you are in, everyone wants

Ardeshir Pirzadeh gives his final speech as NCASC Presdident. The NCASC is the North Carolina Association of Student Councillors.

to succeed and everyone wants to have fun. Most of all, everyone wants to find their place. To close out my reflection, I want to offer

one piece of advice. Be yourself because high school is about you-not anyone else.

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF EMMA SHEPPARD

Kendall York: Roll Pride!

Kendall York, center, poses for a picture with fellow student section leaders. The Leesville loonies are the reigning student section champions.

By Kendall York Guest Writer

It’s Friday night. The sun is going down over Marshall L. Hamilton Stadium. Parents and students are filing in. Looking back on high school at Leesville, these were some of my favorite times.

There is nothing quite like being in the student section of backto-back Student Section Champions. The energy is palpable. The rich traditions, the laughs, and the spirit are second to none.

One of the best things I did with my time at Leesville was go to as many football games as possible.

The experience for the fan is completely different in a high school atmosphere than it is at any other level. You’re not just cheering for a team, you’re more often than not cheering for your friends and classmates.

Participating in something like the Leesville Student Section is a can’t miss in high school. If you’re not a senior this year, take advantage of the time you have left. Roll Pride!

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

Parent Reflections

Calloway’s message for seniors Dear LRHS Seniors, I graduated from high school thirty years ago, and remember it like it was yesterday. Just imagine how we parents feel about the last eighteen years of your lives…

Kenny Chesney said it best, “Don’t blink, life goes faster than you think.” By now, you may be squeezing your eyes closed and wishing high school would magically be over when they re-open.

You might want to fast-forward to a life beyond LRHS, leaving prom drama, hard classes, and mistakes you made in the dust. Instead, embrace the experience for all it’s worth. Learn from it, and tuck it away for future use. Hint: being

PHOTO COURTESY OF HANES CALLOWAY

By: Jill Calloway Guest Writer

Jill Calloway poses with Katie Calloway, daughter, before sending her off for Homecoming 2016 festivities.

equipped to annoy your children with the minute details of your high school experience when offering them unsolicited advice is priceless… just ask Katie.

When you travel down memory

Thank you, Leesville

By Jeffrey & Catherine Phillips Guest Writer To paraphrase Leesville’s mission statement: Leesville teachers and staff will: Provide students with a safe, supportive, engaging environment, Facilitate rigorous learning experiences that spark each student’s interest to achieve academic success and pursue learning beyond the classroom, Students will graduate as critical thinkers.

As Jacob heads towards graduation this spring, we say to the

Leesville community: “Thank you, Mission Accomplished!!!”

Jacob is our third child to graduate from Leesville, and his graduation will close our family’s 8th year at LRHS. We love the school community fostered by the teachers, administrators and staff, and know that our children’s successes and accomplishments are due to their incredible professionalism, experience and commitment. By acknowledging the following teachers, we extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the Leesville staff who make the school a great community.

Leesville for life

By Susan Bowers Guest Writer

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF SUSAN BOWERS

On June 11, 2017, when Anne Bowers walks across that stage during the Commencement Ceremony at the Raleigh Convention Center, our time with a student in Wake County will come to a close.

We have had two “Leesville Lifers” and one who was there since the second grade after starting at Pleasant Union Elementary. I’ve been a basketball mom, a soccer mom, and a theatre mom; we’ve witnessed outstanding athletic competitions, including State Championships; we’ve been in

Susan Bowers poses with her children Anne, Mary Kate and WIll, along with her husband. The family has been involved with Leesville since Will, now 22, was in the second grade.

lane via your yearbook, Instagram and Facebook, you’ll notice every Leesville event had a gazillion parents in attendance. There we were, all decked out in our PrideWear, living vicariously through what you presumed to be YOUR high school experience. (Yes, we were living vicariously! You navigated your high school years with way better clothing, hair and technology, and had the audacity to mock our 80s “style” on spirit days and Halloween.) I believe I speak for most parents when I say we found ourselves at those events wishing time would stand still (and hoping for one more selfie with you.) Know that while you were rushing to get to the after party, we were trying to stop the clock, seeing just how long we could go between “blinks.”

Thank you for allowing us to

feel all the feels as we wore our green, and cheered wildly for our son or daughter on that field, or on that stage, or for the friend(s) we feel like we raised along side of our own children. By doing so, Leesville became our village. Our nest. And now the time has come, Looniebirds… you’re about to fly.

So, spread your wings! We have raised the class of 2017 to be insightful, persuasive, lionhearted, and confident. You are one of our greatest accomplishments! As you accept that diploma and begin this new chapter, please don’t mistake the tears we’re unable to blink away as sadness or regret.

We have loved raising you here at Leesville, but we are watching our very hearts don their caps and gowns and fly off into adulthood.

Our tears say, “We are so excited for the big life that awaits you. We are so grateful to this community.

We are Leesville. We are Pride.”

Thank you, Dr. Mash, for instilling a passion for learning, encouraging students to excel, and supporting all aspects of the student experience.

Mr. Broer, thank you for teaching critical thinking and encouraging students to challenge convention. Thank you for recognizing students’ potential and cultivating opportunities for students to grow.

To Ms. Scioli, thank you for nurturing community involvement and encouraging students to express their voices and make an impact. Thank you for showing students that their Leesville community extends beyond the campus through civic engagement and

volunteer service.

To many teachers, thank you for setting an incredibly high, but not insurmountable, bar in your daunting classes; thank you for challenging students to work hard, to study, and to sweat a little; thank you for infusing humor and creativity into rigorous curriculum; and thank you for ensuring students are well-prepared for EOCs, SATs, AP exams and college coursework.

To all of the teachers who serve as club advisors and coaches, to the teachers of visual arts, music and drama, thank you for cultivating the remarkable talent of our students, and bringing school spirit to life.

the audience for amazing theatre productions; we’ve chaperoned numerous field trips and even more importantly, we’ve ogled at the creation of three different Senior Anthologies! I can say without hesitation that we have had wonderful experiences.

We are fortunate to have in the Leesville community what many schools yearn for – a true school community. Long ago, when the multi-school Leesville campus was just an idea on paper, many were skeptical of how it would all work. How would high school students interact with middle school and elementary students? We can say, having been a part of it since the 2000-2001 school year, that the experiment is a success!

What has made the success possible are the dedicated teachers, coaches, and administrators who truly care about our Leesville students. There are not many principals who would break up a lunch time fight, go to the Emergency Room for treatment from that

break up, and still make it back to the bus in time to ride to Hoggard for a women’s soccer playoff game – the massively swollen black eye hidden behind sunglasses! We have had teachers who have called home to discuss good things, and yes, we have received calls when things aren’t going so well. For good or bad reasons, the teachers took the time to make the calls because they genuinely care about the students. Our older children comment all the time about how prepared they were when they got to college, and I think Anne will agree with them upon her arrival at Virginia Tech in the fall.

When Anne walks down those stairs after receiving her diploma, we may no longer have a student in a Leesville Road school, but you will still find us cheering in the stands at sporting events, and we will be the some of the first to buy tickets to school plays. We will be there because, just like our children, we are “Leesville for Life”!

PHOTOS TAKEN BY THE MYCENAEAN STAFF

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

Four-Year Varsity Women’s Basketball

Men’s Basketball

“The past 4 years on the basketball team has been a great experience full of wonderful memories.”

“I learned the true meaning of hard work and how really investing in something can result in great opportunities.”

-Hunter

-Lauren McNamara

Jonathan Mebane and Alex Hunter

Track

“Track has helped me grow as a person and learn to overcome any obstacle.”

-Barefoot Nick Barefoot, Nathan Gamble, Caleb Petty, Bobby Haggerty, and Mekenzie Logan

Football

“Playing football for four years has developed unbreakable bonds with my teammates.”

-Matthew Melvin

Lacrosse

“I will cherish the life lessons I’ve learned from lacrosse forever.”

-Walton

Jack Walton and Tyler Mae Stempien

Men’s Soccer

“Enjoy your time

Men’s Tennis

playing high school sports.

The memories and friends you make will last forever.”

“I loved seeing the team grow and improve over the past four years.”

-Grant Nelson

-Jun Sim

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MYCENAEAN STAFF

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

Lettermen Golf

Women’s Soccer “I have so many great memories from Leesville soccer.”

-Rachel Golden

Rachel Golden, Rebekah Bailey, and Cayley Kennedy

“I enjoyed every minute of it.”

-Joey Pettis Joey Pettis and Mogie Adamchik

Cross Country

Cheer

“I’m so thankful for the friendships I’ve formed over the past four years.”

-Van Slyck

“Cross Country is like my seconf family. They are people I can count on for anything. “ -Gamble Nathan Gamble, Nevada Mareno, and Leah Behrends

Courtney Coffey, Macey Menendez, and Ashley Van Slyck Not Pictured: Noah Czajkowski

-

Swimming

“The swim team is full of

amazing people i’ve enjoyed being around all of high school.”

-Ierston-Brown Sarah Chappell, Alexis Vetrano, Charlotte Wilson, Abby Toburen, Matt Keiller, Jessica Moss, Jacob Phillips, and David IrerstonBrown

Softball

Wrestling

“It was stressful at times, but I learned to push through to be the best I can be no matter what.”

“My advice: find something you love and stick to it.”

-Mills

Dan Mills and Justin Tibbs

- Catalina Torrendell

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017 1. Appalachian State University (Boone, NC) Alexa Garbarino Alexandra Hauber Alexis Proulx Annika Bardaxis Ardeshir Pirzadeh Atticus Stockdale Cade Lee Carson Rainey Christopher Keen Christopher Scarlett Courtney Nelson Emily Margaret Dusablon Evan Dezzutto Gabrielle Scicluna Jessica Paff Jillian Wolstromer Jordan Riley Laura Tripp Madison Goodwin Makayla Galloway Matthew Barnes Meghan McAnarney Morgan Adamchik Noah King Obafemi Oshin Patricia Hash Robert Montgomery Sarah Griffin Sarah Myers Saylor Ferguson Stephen Carver William Sease 2. Ashville-Buncombe Technical Community College (Asheville, NC) Brielle Ambrister 3. Averett University (Danville, VA) Lindsey Bateman 4. Bennett College (Greensboro, NC) Elon Johnson 5. Berry College (Rome, GA) Tyler Stempien 6. Bowie State University (Bowie, MD) Chace Smalls Laneshia Harrison 7. Brigham Young University (Provo, UT) Abigail Conger Analise Larken Jared Barker 8. Burklee College of Music (Boston, MA) Nola Baldwin 9. Campbell University (Buies Creek, NC) Alyssa Arbutina Cooper Eason-Riddle Jonas VanHoosier Madison Phinney Matthew Melvin 10. Cape Fear Community College (Wilmington, NC) Cameron House Jalen Harris Jordan Leitner 11. Catawba College (Salisbury, NC) Charles Caulfield 12. Chowin University (Merfreesboro, NC) Aziya Ham Delonte’ Matthews 13. Clinton Junior College (Rock Hill, SC) Clinton Mitchell IV 14. College of Charleston (Charleston, SC) Harrison Sullivan

15. East Carolina University (Greenville, NC) Abigail Kennedy Allison Priest Alyson Lawrence Ashley Hobgood Caelan O’Connell Caleb Mehlman Carl Gaier Charlotte Wilson Courtney Coffey Dominic Rossetti Duncan Hammock Dylan Donnelly Elizabeth Kenney Erik Jones Hannah Paradise Jessica Wright John Dunn Kaitlyn Stallings Katherine Tanji Kobe Wheeler Kyle Hebbard Lindsay Medbury Lourdes Harrell Luke Miller Mackenzie Dolecheck Maya Garris Megan Muncie Megan Rooker Molly Griffin Morgan Youst Nicholas Weaver Peyton Webb Samuel Asabor Sara Sanders Sydney Wright Tess Pottmeyer 16. East Tennessee State University (Johnson City, TN) Stanford Johnson 17. Elon University (Elon, NC) Avery Gardner 18. Fayetteville Technical Community College (Fayetteville, NC) Breona Thomas

Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA) Deena Shapiro 28. Kenyon College (Gambier, OH) Alexis Vetrano 29. Lees-McRae College (Banner Elk, NC) Gloria Salapo Kyndra Martin-Cobb 30. Lenoir-Rhyne University (Hickory, NC) Jefferson Norwood 31. Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA) Lisa Spivey 32. Lincoln Memorial University (Harrogate, TN) Nolan Hughes 33. Louisburg College (Louisburg, NC) Rita Furbert 34. Lynchburg College (Lynchburg, VA) Madelyn Leen 35. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA) Jacob Phillips 36. Meredith College (Raleigh, NC) Kayla Stange Kaylee Kalaf Laura Niehaus Maya Elsoury Rose Dorman Sarah Eischen Sarah Elks Valerie Franco 37. Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA) Marion Tisdale IV

19. Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL) Ashley Van Slyck Tyriq Miller

38. Methodist University (Fayetteville, NC) Colin Rucker Grant Nelson Noah Latta Robert Haggerty IV

20. Fordham University (New York, NY) Benjamin Byers

39. Longwood University (Farmville, VA) Alan Hill Jr

21. Full Sail University (Winterpark, FL) David Robinson

40. North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (Greensboro, NC) Dennis Cannon III Deonye’ Ford Derrik Cameron Jr Elijah Adams Enrelle Morgan Maya Henry Ryan Collins

22. Furman University (Greenville, SC) Alexander Hunter 23. George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) Ryan Schiman 24. Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA) Hyoungjun Sim 25. Hargrave Military Acadamy (Chatham, VA) Jonathan Mebane 26. High Point University (High Point, NC) Taylor Penezic 27. James

All above information was self-reported by students; therefore, The Mycenaean staff is not responsible for any inaccurate data.

41. North Carolina Central University (Durham, NC) Chase Bessard Joy Sarpong 42. North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC) Adrian Chamberlin Alexander Schwartz Andrew Walczyk Anita Torres-Nunez Anna Dinges Ashley Dickerson Bianca Skinner Bilal Mohamad Brandon Haga Caitlynn Rathke Carson Kelber Cayley Kennedy Charnece Reid Colby Hopper Connor Micham Daniel Blakeman David Ierston-Brown Davon Walton Elizabeth Irvin Elizabeth Plymale Erica Lisowe Gabriella Imbasciani Gabriela O’Brien Grace Egly Griffin Bobrowski Jack Van Welzen James Hickland James Thomas Javier Flores Sarraga

Jessica Powers Jordan Brady Jordan Hayes Joseph Yoo Keaton Thurston Kendall York Kevin Cao Laine Butler Lauren Geikie Makayla Mack Matthew Davis Matthew Mugeni Matthew Wagner Mohmmed Idries Nicholas Clemente Nieya Garland Noah Czajkowski Noor Hasan Olivia Segreto Pavan Dayal Sara Mirek Scott Lemon II Timothy Wipperman William Collin Dail

62. University of Maryland, College Park (College Park, MD) Brianna Reid 63. University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS) Audrey Macia 64. University of Montana (Missoula, MT) Grace Oury 65. University of North Carolina at Asheville (Asheville, NC) Maya Mahato Megan Brady Rachel Golden Sydney Wilson

Clas

Where

66. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) 43. North Carolina Alapika Jatkar Weslyan College Alex Lafferty (Charlotte, NC) Ariana Pirzadeh Colton Murray Ashley Gill Bokai Li 44. Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA) Bria Clyburn Caleb Petty Andrew Swiniarski Charles Theissen 45. Pfeiffer University Gabriel Oliveira Heidi Kreis (Misenheimer, NC) Josephine Calderon-Rios Haley Zoltoski Kathryn Konrad Lee Ann Lucas 46. Pitt Community Lindsey Burnette College (Winterville, Luca Menozzi NC) Margaret Pollard Aidan Morehead Rajini Shekar Matthew Hall Seyoung Jung Wesley Barefoot 67. University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) Alazar Shimbir Alexander Jensen Alexander Coble Brent Strothers 48. Randolf-Macon College (Ashland, VA) Brianna Wilkins Bryce Howarth Benjamin Ricciuti Cassandra Gray Daniela Pena Guzman 49. Savannah College Destini Darden of Art and Design Dominic Parker (Savannah, GA) Dylan Gottlieb Kelly Toth Eason Grimes Jared Logan 50. Shaw University Jocelyn Torres Lucero (Raleigh, NC) Joshua Samuel Omotosho Isis Moore Matthew Hamilton Matthew Keiller 51. Sight and Sound Theatres Conservatory Matthew Kolflat Matthew Saunders (Lancaster, PA) Mekenzie Logan Abigail Aldrich Noah Haywood Nuredin Darar 52. St. Francis Xavier University (Antigonish, Samuel Griengl-Schott Todd Howarth Nova Scotia) Tyler Proctor Claudia Lawless Tyler Davis 53. Stanford University Zoe Luglan (Stanford, CA) 68. University of North Nevada Mareno Carolina at Greensboro 54. State University of (Greensboro, NC) Abigail Sarpong New York Maritime College (New York, NY) Aby Musa Alanna Colon Jada Gardner Angela Chung Casey Campbell 55. United States Military Acadamy (West Evelyn Puertos Fernandez Jamal Giles Point, NY) Lauren McNamara-Clement Joseph LaSorsa Joshua Vines 56. United States Naval Kiara McNeil Kimi Prescott Academy Maggie Marshall (Annapolis, MD) Marcus Smith Jared Leins Maxeen Hill Ryan Wilson 57. University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Yukti Rani AL) 69. University of North Jeri Murray Carolina at Pembroke Nathaniel Gamble (Pembroke, NC) Nicholas Barefoot Dylan Jones Joshua Jordan 58. University of Bridgeport (Bridgeport, Lisa Watson Nastasia Swinton CT) Oluwajoba Ogun Gabrielle Kistner 47. Queens University of Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) Rebekah Bailey Savannah Beale

70. University of North 59. Universiyt of Delaware (Newark, DE) Carolina School of the Arts (Winston-Salem, Kelly Stephenson NC) John Pfeiffer 60. University of Georgia (Athens, GA) 71. University of North Kathryn Calloway Carolina at Wilmington (Wilmington, NC) 61. University of Adam Bateman Kentucky (Lexington, Ashlyn Kuhnel KY) Austin Drez Allison Rupp

29

2 65 81

Carrington Baker Catalina Torrendell Cooper Gruela Daniel Mills Danielle Givens Elena Hernandez Ethan List Gabriela Dwyer Hope Mungall Jack Gunner Jack Krosner Janay Lee Jessica Moss John Ervin Kevin Steele Leah Behrends Mason MacLauchlin Morgan Bateman Nolan Brunick Ryan Wood Soraya Baker Susan Garrell Suzan Abdullah William Raymond 72. University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND) Paul Wesp 73. University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC) Abigail Toburen Bethany Blanke Carson McNally Evan Hoey Jack Kaelin Jaime Gay John Walton Ryan Watson Sarah Chappell William Hollerung 74. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (St. Augustine, FL) Angel Young

53

80. Wake Technical Community College (Raleigh, NC) Aaron Mooty Jr Abdul-Rahman Oki 75. University of Texas at Adam Hassan Austin (Austin, TX) Adrian Corkery Kristen Bachand Akira Height Alajha Davis 76. University of Utah Alli Moore (Salt Lake City, UT) Andres Polo-Wood Jaret Parro Andrew Troublefield Anna Marshall 77. Vanderbilt University Anthony Betancourt (Nashville, TN) Anthony Vaccaro Caitlin Allison Argenis Jerez Rohith Raman Athena Rosero Baylie Trout 78. Virginia Military Blake Rosin Institute (Lexington City, Brenda Mendoza Estrada VA) Briana Amato Natalie Carpenter Brianna Davis Brianna Stayton 79. Virgina Tech Brock Johnston (Blacksburg, VA) Brooke Dunn Annetta Bowers Caleb Murphy Ashlyn Top Cali Slusser Caroline Muma Carlos Espinal Diaz Sean Gardner Carlos Espinoza

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

ss of 2017...

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9

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70 40 4 84 17 68

66 41

42 80 36 82 50 37 9 4 27

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18 38

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69 71 10 52

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72 8, 35

76 7

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16 77 32 47 22 13 5 24 73 14 60 37 57 49 19

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51 23 78 27 3948 79 34 25 3 31

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Carson McGee Chase Lopez Christopher Mack Christopher Smith Craig Gregory Jr Cristian Arevalo Daniela Bernal Garcia Danielle Cardia Darrell M0ears III Davell Jackson David Brooks Diana Amedd Diego Villarreal-Espino Douglas Templeton Dylan Ross

Class of Class of Class of Class of

‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17

58 20, 54, 55 59 6, 56, 62 44

Elaine Kelley Elizabeth McDowell Eric Dupont II Erin Bowman Evan Allen Gissel Perez Abarca Hannah Howard Henry Werner Isaac Thomas Jack Husak Jack Marshall III Jackson Jessup Jacqueline Oliphant Jalyn Manuel Janeth Rodriguez Janie Garabedian Jessica Keenan Jonathan Walker Jordan Gardner Jose Luis Espin Abarca Joseph Gargash Joseph Montemurro Joshua West Julie Blevins Justin Bass Justin Tibbs Kareem Dixon Katherine Jones Kayla Windell-Kirk Kelly Stange Kenneth Williams III Kevin Nunez KeyShawn King Lauren Carter Macey Menendez Madeleine Mullich Marta Boytsun Mason Adams Matthew Morris Matthew Papanestor Mea Blackmon Michael Schafers Mirak Harleston Nafethyna Pelaez Nicholas Gallardo Nicholas Sykes Odim Chukwuma Olivia DePaul Othman Fatfat Remy Robelo Hernandez Robert Reynolds Saarah Qasrawi Samantha VanFossen Samuel Merritt Savanah McLean Schafer Seymour Scott Schoonderwoerd Shania Winston Sharai Leerdam Sharod Daniels Shawn Sergeant Taylor Young Thomas Leather Tiah Moore Trang Thien Pham Trinaysia Jones Truc Nguyen Valeria Ronceros-Prado Walker Holloway Yasin Darar Zachary Bourgouin Zachary Vena

Cameron Dobbins Christian Bascom Decosta Beaver Diego Pacheco Jacob Binford Jared Weeks Jussan Barnett Justin Carter-Mueller Komlanvi Akakpo Nasir Tilman Nicole Tejada Paul Go Ronaldo Gomez Nunez Scott Culbreth Sharlyn Quiroga-Marte Sydney Blalock Other Ariyana Young Brenda Aquino Brittney Pyle Cade Martinez Caroline Jester Cesar Rodriguez Daisya Harper David Maybin Davonte Terry De’Mario Hopkins Fred CJ Hicks Heather Torres Jake Jeffers James Swain Jelin Hampton Joriearl Grant Jorel Williams Makayla Urdi MaryRose King Mia Kisselburg Oris Griggs Precise Smith Wanida Anelone Zayd Draper Workforce Ashante’ Thompson Benjamin March Blake Piacente Brandon Nea Brittany Neal Cody Molineux Dylan Morisi Emily Smith Evan Klug Griffin Bunce Imani Proctor Imanol Lara Vazquez Jack Wiedman Jacob Daft Jonah Wahl Jordan Turner Kemory Gordon Khalid Casey Kontae McNeil Mairah Bharde Robert Gordon Sean Cooper Shakarri Cunningham Victoria Beach Wilbert Hernandez Yoselin Trejos Salgado

Undecided Alejandro Moran Rivas 81. Western Carolina Brandon Turner University (Cullowhee, Cooper Alcott NC) David Robinson Amanda Weaver Dennis Kehoe Joseph Nicholson Drake Furlong Hansen Joseph Pettis Elyse Holdaway Kyle Revis Francisco Morales II Haley Hawkins 82. William Peace Jason Amditis University (Raleigh, NC) Jesse Jones Candice Hall Jordan Washington Taylor Breito Jung Hyun Oh Tiffany Camperos-Brizuela Kasonga Kazemba Kenya Davis Jr 83. Wingate University Kylie McDonald (Wingate, NC) Lauren Wylie Ian Reetz Leonardo Apollonia Maya Tisdale Maliek Herndon Mohamed Mohamed 84. Winston-Salem State Rashon Kincy University (WinstonRoger Moore Salem, NC) Stephanie Obeng Hannah Williams Stephanie Thirkettle Theodoore Staton Tonya Smith Torian Knowles Gap Year Wesley Parrish Alexa Barton Yesenia Reyes-Torres Daniel Pyun Yuritzi Magana Valdez Georgia Suddath Zekia Randle Malik Banks Zion Harris Military Brandon Govan Brendon McCauley

Top 5 Schools of Attendance in Leesville History

1. Wake Tech 1. Wake Tech 1. Wake Tech 1. Wake Tech

(78) 2. NC State (85) 2. East Carolina (116) 2. East Carolina (113) 2. NC State

(59) (49) (53) (53)

3. East Carolina 3. NC State 3. NC State 4. East Carolina

(37) (45) (48) (36)

4. Appalachian State (36) 5. UNC-Chapel Hill (30) 4. UNC-Charlotte (35) 5. UNC-Wilmington (28) 4. UNC-Wilmington (35) 5. UNC-Greensboro (21) 4. Appalachain State (32) 5. UNC- Charlotte (27)

Senior Superlatives

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

BEST SMILE Jalen Harris & Katie Calloway

BEST TO BRING HOME TO MOM & DAD Maggie Pollard & Jacob Phillips

MOST CHANGED Adam Bateman & Allison Garrell

MOST LIKELY TO DROP AN ALBUM Atticus Stockdale & Patricia Hash

MOST LIKELY TO CHEER YOU UP Matt Mugeni & Makayla Galloway

ALWAYS KEEPS IT REAL Alex Lemon & Madelyn Leen

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MYCENAEAN UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

BEST EYES Jordan Riley & Drew Walczyk

BEST LAUGH Adam Bateman & Sara Sanders

MOST CHILL Morgan Youst & Matthew Melvin

MOST INTELLIGENT Kate Konrad & Collin Dail

BEST CAR Mekenzie Logan & Kaden VanHoosier OUR EASIEST & MOST CAREFREE YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL 1) Freshman year 2) Sophomore year

MOST ARTISITIC Atticus Stockdale & Carson Rainey

OUR FAVORITE YEAR OVERALL

1) Senior year 2) Junior year

BEST SEASON OF THE SCHOOL YEAR

1) Spring 2) Fall

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

GYM RATS Jessie Powers & Matthew Papanestor

MOST LIKELY TO SURVIVE AN APOCALYPSE Rita Furbert & Pavan Dayal

BEST COUPLE THAT NEVER WAS Nevada Mareno & Nathan Gamble

FUNNIEST Morgan Youst & Nur Darar

MOST LIKELY TO BE ON REALITY TV Othman Fatfat & Anne Bowers The class of 2017 is the final class to have experienced the ABC lunch schedule. The Mycenaean surveyed seniors, asking them which section of lunch was the best.

A | 10%

B | 10%

C | 79%

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

MOST TALENTED Nola Baldwin & Ryan Schiman

MOST HIPSTER Madelyn Leen & Jalen Harris

BEST DRESSED Othman Fatfat & Taylor Penezic

BEST DANCER Colton Murray & Megan Muncie

BEST FRIENDS “The Doo Doo Clique”

Bottom: Jalen Harris, Jack Walton, Adam Hassan, Jonathan Walker, Stanton Johnson Top: Nolan Brunick, Sam Merritt, Ryan Watson, Adam Bateman, Kevin Steele, Billy Raymond, Adrian Corkery Not Pictured: Ryan Wood

BEST FRIENDS

Jordan Riley, Patricia Hash, Alexa Garbarino

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

SONGS WE COULDN’T GET OUT OF OUR HEADS DURING SENIOR YEAR Caroline / Aminé

JuJu On That Beat / Zay Hilfigerrr

MOST UNIQUE

Jonah Wahl & Brielle Ambrister (not pic-

Black Beatles / Rae Sremmurd

HUMBLE. / Kendrick Lamar

That’s What I Like/ Bruno Mars

BEST LOOKING Lauren Geikie & Nolan Brunick

BEST PERSONALITY Matt Mugeni & Sara Sanders

MOST ATHLETIC Nevada Mareno & Matthew Hamilton

CLASSIEST Bo Byers & Ashley Van Slyck

WORST CASE OF SENIORITIS Harrison Sullivan & Courtney Nelson

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

BEST HAIR Courtney Coffey & Kevin Steele

MOST LIKELY TO BE IDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;D AT 30 Adam Hassan & Natalie Carpenter

BRIGHTEST FUTURE Nevada Mareno & Jacob Phillips

MOST LIKELY TO BE ON BROADWAY Alex Aldrich & Will Hollerung

MOST SPIRITED Anne Bowers & Kendall York OUR FAVORITE MEMES OF SENIOR YEAR

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF THE MENAGERIE

OUR FAVORITE TEACHERS Russ Frazier (Gym) & Monica Wilkerson (English)

MOST GENUINE Suzanne Abdullah & Ryan Wood

HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS Sara Mirek & Collin Dail

“BEST” SNEEZE Jake Jeffers & Ashlyn Top (not pictured)

PREPPIEST Jack Krosner & Ashley Van Slyck

Senior year comes with some perks. The Mycenaean surveyed seniors, requesting their favorite aspects of being a senior.

Senior exam exemptions

A lighter schedule

Late start / No fourth

Graduation preparation

Planning for the future

Going with the flow

Respect from underclassmen

Less drama

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

SOCIAL MEDIA GURUS Matt Saunders & Genie Shekar

BIGGEST FLIRT Cayley Kennedy & Jack Walton

MOST POPULAR Ryan Wood & Heidi Kreis WHAT WE WILL MISS MOST High school sports Knowing the majority of our classmates Seeing friends everyday

The “community feel” Being “top dog” The teachers

MOST PHOTOGENIC Lauren Geikie & Bo Byers

BEST LEGS Scott Culbreth & Rachel Golden

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

Locations

4040 Ed. Drive Raleigh NC, 27612 6325 #67 Falls of Neuse Rd. Raleigh NC, 27615

NOW HIRING!

Hours Mon.-Thurs.11:00-9:30pm Fri.-Sat. 11:00-10:00pm Call (919)781-5181

Menu Includes: -Hibachi -Sushi -Soup -Salads -Noodle Bowls

“We pick ingredients carefully and use only the freshest and most natural ones to prepare every dish”

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

1. Number of years on staff2.5.

2. Position on staff- Senior Staff Writer.

3. Attending college at- University of South Carolina 4. Career plans- Hopefully something involving onstage/film performance and/or writing.

5. Hobbies/ favorite ways to procrastinate- Workout, play basketball, play guitar.

6. Favorite Newspaper memory- Reading Pete the Cat at the

beginning of the year.

7. Favorite part of Newspaper- Having the opportunity to write and learn about unique aspects of Leesville that many people may not know about.

8. Favorite Leesville memory-Being the lead in my first show, The Odd Couple, junior year.

9. Most important thing you’ve learned at LeesvilleKeep your options open. You never know when your path may change completely.

10. Tip to future Newspaper students- Don’t procrastinate your articles till the end of the week.

11. Favorite Netflix series to binge watch- Breaking Bad, Bob’s Burgers, Stranger Things 12. Last words to Broer- “It’s all good.”

13. Favorite Leesville activity- Going to football games, performing on stage.

14. What you’ll miss about Newspaper- Listening to Mr. Broer always catch Cayley when she curses.

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF JACOB PHILLIPS

1. Number of years on staff- 1 2. Position on staff- Staff Writer 3. Attending college at- Massachusetts Institute of Technology 4. Career plans- Aerospace Engineering...work for SpaceX 5. Hobbies/ favorite ways to procrastinate- Swimming 6. Favorite Newspaper memory- Debates with Broer.

7. Favorite part of Newspaper- The freedom/relaxed atmosphere... I can write about or explore almost anything.

8. Favorite Leesville memorysenior States swim meet.

Drew Walzcyk

1. Number of years on staff- 2 2. Position on staff- Staff Writer 3. Attending college at- North C arolina State University 4. Career plans- Undecided.

5. Hobbies/ favorite ways to procrastinateSoccer/hang with friends.

6. Favorite Newspaper memory- Watching Henry Werner attempt to write an article.

7. Favorite part of Newspaper- Talking to Broer about soccer.

8. Favorite Leesville memory- When the seniors put a car at the bottom of the main staircase as a senior prank.

9. Tip to future Newspaper students- Don’t wait till Friday to start writing your article.

10. Spirit animal- Monkey because I am silly.

11. If you could eat one food for the rest of your life it would be- Apples.

13. Favorite Netflix series to binge watch- The Office

14. Leesville in one wordInteresting.

15. Favorite Leesville activity- Football events.

16. Favorite word- “Freedom.”

17. Most likely to be doing ____ during Newspaper- Literally nothing.

18. Most important think you’ve learned at LeesvilleHonestly, I didn’t learn that much in high school.

20. What you’ll miss about Newspaper- Definitely not the heat, also, having a class with Cayley and Heidi.

Jacob Phillips

9. Most important thing you’ve learned at LeesvilleYou can represent yourself in any way you want.

10. Tip to future Newspaper students- Start your articles on the previous Friday so you can contact your sources over the weekend and be ready to write on Monday. I’ve never done this, but I feel like it’d work.

11. Favorite Netflix series to binge watch- Psych

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF DREW wALZCYK

Will Hollerung

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF WILL HOLLERUNG

THE MYCENAEAN SENIOR STAFF 2017

12. Last words to Broer“There is no such thing as a growth mindset.”

13. Leesville in one wordSchool 14. Favorite Leesville activity- Football games.

15. Favorite word- “Grok.”

16. One thing you wish you knew before coming into high school- It’s not all about grades.

The Mycenaean, Leesville Road High School, May 23, 2017

Heidi Kreis 1. Number of years on staff- 3 2. Position on staff- Staff Writer, Junior Editor, Editor-in-Chief 3. Attending college at- The University of National Championships 4. Career plans- Occupational Therapist… subject to change 5. Hobbies/ favorite ways to procrastinate- Planning my dorm room on Pinterest and doing random DIY tasks 6. Favorite Newspaper memory- Journalism Day at UNC-CH 7. Favorite part of Newspaper- Being able to eat during class

8. Favorite Leesville memory- Being in Emerald Isle for SB2K17 with 40 other Loonies :) 9. Tip to future Newspaper students- To the future EICs: sell ads and delegate work. Delegate ads.

10. Favorite Netflix series to binge watch- Shameless and Friday Night Lights 11. Last words to Broer- “Add me on Facebook! Also, never let the memory of Parker Yount die.”

12. Favorite Leesville activity- Attending spring sports games because the weather is perfect or

viewing the plays/musicals because I love to see Leesville’s talent.

13. What you’ll miss about Newspaper- Having a class without quizzes/tests/homework; Eric and everyone on staff who made my job easy and possible <3 14. Most likely to be ___ during Newspaper- Online shopping or actually working really hard, there is no in between 15. Spirit animal- Well, Buzzfeed described me as a “very cute kitty” 16. Favorite word- “Honestly.”

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF HEIDI KREIS

THE MYCENAEAN SENIOR STAFF 2017

Madelyn Leen

Maggie Pollard 1. Number of years on staff- 3 2. Position on staff- Staff Writer, junior editor, senior editor.

3. Attending college at- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 4. Career plans- Something in government.

5. Hobbies/ favorite ways to procrastinate- Taking Buzzfeed quizzes, running, reading.

6. Favorite part of Newspaper- Food Friday.

7. Favorite Leesville mem-

ory- My freshman year during lunch everyone ran towards one of the windows because they thought a fight was happening, but it turned out to be a dance battle.

8. Tip to future Newspaper students- Start your articles early 9. If you could eat one food for the rest of your life it would be- Mac and cheese 10. Favorite Netflix series to binge watch- The Office, The

West Wing, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt 11. Favorite Leesville activity- Watching the musical every year.

12. What you’ll miss about Newspaper- The people.

13. Most likely to be doing ___ during NewspaperHomework.

14. Spirit animal- Leslie Knope 15. Last words to Broer“That’s not what I meant.”

16.

Favorite Newspaper memory- Secret santa.

17. Leesville in one word“Eventful”

1. Number of years on staff- 3 2. Position on staff- Staff writer, Senior Editor 3. Attending college at- Appalachian State University 4. Career plans- Programming, or maybe a Computer Engineer.

5. Hobbies/ favorite ways to procrastinate- Browsing nonsense online, playing chess, reading, working for pitiful wages, music.

6. Favorite Newspaper memory- Bringing the ...

7. Favorite part of Newspaper- The headline 8. Favorite Leesville memo-

Cayley Kennedy 1. Number of years on staff- 2 2. Position on staff- Staff writer, senior editor 3. Attending college at- NC State University 4. Career plans- Idek.

5. Hobbies/ favorite ways to procrastinate- Scrolling on Twitter, Instagram, and watching cooking videos.

6. Favorite part of Newspaper- Being able to write about absolutely anything you want.

7. Most important thing you’ve learned at Leesville-

Always surround yourself with people who have the same goals and aspirations as you.

8. Tip to future Newspaper students- Don’t procrastinate on layout (-: 9. If you could eat one food for the rest of your life it would be- Sour patch kids.

10. Favorite Netflix series to binge watch- One Tree Hill, The Office 11. Last words to Broer- “Don’t be too hard on the next sports editor (:”

12. Leesville in one word“Memorable.”

13. Favorite Leesville activity- Going to basketball and football games.

14. One thing you wish you knew before coming into high school- Make sure to enjoy your underclassmen years because it only gets harder and more stressful.

15. What you’ll miss about Newspaper- Bickering with Broer

“hi” to me in the hallway freshman year.

9. Most important thing you’ve learned at LeesvilleThe difference between your and you’re.

10. Tip to future Newspaper students- Find the “why” and you’ll be good.

11. Spirit animal- Lana Del Rey 12. If you could eat one food for the rest of your life it would be- Empanadas.

13. Favorite Netflix series-

to binge watch- Family Guy, Shameless, and That 70’s Show 14. Last words to Broer- “I like big books and I can not lie, and I’m never selling t-shirts again in my life.”

15. Favorite Leesville activity- Going to the plays and musicals.

16. Favorite word- “Boolin.”

17. Most likely to be____ during Newspaper- Listening to Ani DiFranco, online shoppingor working wicked hard.

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF MAGGIE POLLARD

PHOTO USED BY PERMISSION OF MADELYN LEEN

1. Number of years on staff- 3 2. Position on staff- Staff Writer, Junior Editor, Special Projects Manager 3. Attending college atLynchburg College 4. Career plans- Idk man 5. Hobbies/ favorite ways to procrastinate- Listening to music and painting.

6. Favorite Newspaper memory- The car ride to J-Day with Parker’s mom.

7. Favorite part of Newspaper- Making videos with friends.

8. Favorite Leesville memory- When Braxton Barrios said

Will Sease ry- Wasting time in the lobby at 6am before we had cars 9. Most important thing you’ve learned at LeesvilleAvoiding false titles 10. Tip to future Newspaper students- Selling ads = easy political capital 11. Spirit animal- Sphinx 12. If you could eat one food for the rest of your life it would be- Sautéed Mushrooms & Onions 13. Favorite Netflix series to

binge watch- Aqua Teen Hunger Force 14. Last words to Broer- “Have a good weekend.”

15. Leesville in one word- “Fatiguing.”

16. Favorite Leesville activity- Resting your eyes in class for a minute and waking up an hour later.

17. One thing you wish you knew before coming into high school- Trigonometry isn’t a math credit.