Summer 2022 Nighthawk News Magazine by Steve Hanf

ON THE COVER

he Senior Edition. One of Nighthawk News’ longest-standing traditions and the one that happens to be the most emotional and bittersweet for a staff that quickly becomes family over the course of the year. For this ﬁnal edition of the year, we wanted to create a cover that encompassed as much of the senior class as possible and brought us back to our childhood roots at the same time. During the cover brainstorm, we had a list of possible locations for the shoot, but kept circling back to the very view we have from the newspaper room every day: the Wright Brothers National Memorial. From elementary school ﬁeld trips to our senior class picture decked out in red, from runins with cacti as young kids to painful training sessions for high school athletics up and down the hill, the monument has quite literally watched us grow up. In the past, it’s proven to be a challenge to get a decent amount of seniors out to the various shoots planned by First Flight publications. We knew that in order to have a cover that show-

cased the Class of 2022’s hard work over the last four years, we would need a good representation from the senior class. As editors, we encouraged our staff to re-post the details on their social media platforms in exchange for a bribe: candy. The sweet treat worked – we ended up with a crowd of people in graduation gowns, caps waving in the air. Surprisingly enough, getting 35 high schoolers to pose candidly ended up being more of a struggle than we had originally anticipated. Between us having to direct people where to sit and Photo Editor Taylor Newton reminding people to not look at the camera, we had to ﬁght to get the perfect image that we had envisioned. After a couple of attempts and different angle changes, the shoot ended in success. The three of us donned our caps and gowns once again and had our faithful photographer snap one last “On the Cover” photo. As we write this, we realize that each word brings our time as Nighthawk News editors closer to an end. To our wonderful staff, thank you, from the bottom of our

hearts, for being there with us every step of the way and for becoming our family over these last four years in Room B-214. To our amazing photographer Taylor Newton, thank you for being so patient with our never-ending photo desires and for always going above and beyond for Nighthawk News. And most importantly to our adviser Mr. Hanf, thank you for being our guiding light throughout our time here and for pushing us to be the best journalists and people we can be through your dedication and compassion for this program. While this edition focuses on the FFHS seniors and our collective futures as graduates through Q-and-As and personality proﬁles, we’ve also included another Topics of our Time spread, upcoming community events, and highlights on some amazing First Flight teachers. As always, on behalf of Nighthawk News, we’d like to thank our readers and advertisers one last time for the support, and we hope you enjoy our ﬁnal print edition! – Editors-in-Chief Kayla Hallac, Maren Ingram and Maggie McNinch

Nighthawk News Magazine Editors- in-Chief (from left) Kayla Hallac, Maggie McNinch and Maren Ingram take a quick break from deadline work to show off their graduation gear.

Photo by Taylor Newton/ Nighthawk News

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WHAT’S INSIDE SALUTE TO THE SENIORS Reminisce with members of the

4-25 Class of 2022 in this special section In addition to hearing from 105 seniors about their favorite high school memories and future endeavors, we also bring you: Info on seniors making military plans, becoming healthcare heroes and choosing college destinations in our special Senior Edition section. A heartfelt goodbye to the newspaper seniors, along with various commentaries on college butterﬂies and making the decision on what college to attend. Reports on our talented athletes, including a wrap-up of Senior Night traditions and seniors who will continue competing at the college level in our Sports section. And much, much more. Enjoy!

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What a long, strange trip it has been

Skye Westphal

Tucker Crook

Jordyn Scarborough

Kelsey Dudash

hanks to the coronavirus pandemic that sent everyone home in March of 2020, Nighthawk News Magazine started a new tradition with its annual Senior Edition: collecting fun Q-and-A “exit interviews,” if you will, from as many seniors as we could get. The profiles on the following pages come from students who were sophomores then. Just starting to drive. Just beginning to figure out their place in the high school hierarchy. And as the pandemic dragged on, wondering more and more when a “normal” year of school might return. Their junior year included masks and long stretches of remote learning, but also some bright spots: Nearly every sports season was played. Prom had to be held outside, but the Wright Brothers Memorial made for a memorable venue. Despite starting this year wearing masks, members of the Class of 2022 enjoyed a relatively normal senior year: Homecoming fun mixed with the rush of college applications in the fall. Packed basketball games and vacations in the winter. Prom, the senior trip to Busch Gardens and plans for graduation parties in the spring. “Ordinary” was all this extraordinary group asked for, and when these seniors walk across the stage on June 10 in front of thousands of friends and family members, it will mark the culmination of four long, challenging, rewarding, worrying and unforgettable years. There’s plenty to celebrate about these seniors, as you’ll see in the pages of this Senior Edition. About 100 members of the Class of 2022 responded to our emailed survey (and reminders on Instagram, and in many cases, personal pleas via text or DM) to offer these insights. The mix of heartfelt, silly, detailed, short and delightfully random replies perfectly showcases this class’ personality. Having spent the last 12 years of their lives alphabetized, we elected to hit shuffle and place these profiles in random order (and to help make designing it at least a little less crazy). We’d apologize for making you hunt for yourself, your friends or seniors you know – except, we really think you’re going to enjoy reading each and every one of these. Thank you and best wishes, Class of 2022!

What are your future plans? I plan on moving in with my mom, getting a stable job, and putting 20% of my pay to the side so that I can go to Malaysia for a month to see my best friend. What is your favorite memory from high school? “Bring anything but a book bag day.” It was so much fun. Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Ennis: She took the time to sit down with me, have a Google Meet with me, and email me whenever I didn’t understand the work we were doing in class. She is very understanding and I only passed her class because she worked with me to help me. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Stop talking to people and focus on work. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My best friend Amber. She keeps me together throughout the day. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Any gifts I have received from people. I don’t get many gifts, so when I do it means a lot to me.

What are your future plans? My future plans are to attend College of Charleston for the next four years and obtain a degree in commercial real estate finance. After graduating, I plan to work my way up and gain enough experience to eventually start my own VC firm. What is your favorite memory from high school? Probably my freshman year when my friends and I got sent to Albert’s office because Gavin Wassler splattered an applesauce container on the wall of the cafeteria. At the time, I was probably scared to be sent to the principal’s office, but looking back on it, it was a very memorable day. Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. Herman: I only had him for freshman year Civics, but he was just that guy. Anyone that had him would understand. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Graduation rate is 95%. Remember that. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Quizlet.com. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Kitty Hawk Pier during sunset in the summer.

What are your future plans? Continue my athletic career at Pfeiffer University and study to be an accountant. What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memory from high school would be my junior prom. It was held out at the memorial and it was just a really fun time. Who was your best teacher ever? Definitely Mr. Lowe. He was my freshman year math teacher. I loved his class and his teaching style. What advice would you give to your freshman self? I would tell my freshman self to not take life too seriously. Focus on school, but make sure you have a good time while doing it. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... I definitely couldn’t do high school without volleyball. It is a good way to take a break from everything and just have fun. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... All the memories from sunrises to sunsets on this beautiful place.

What are your future plans? I plan on attending ECU to major in business and minor in art, while also doing an apprenticeship at a tattoo shop so when I graduate I can open my own. What is your favorite memory from high school? Being able to attend my previous high school’s Homecoming in Virginia. Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Baldwin always kept things upbeat in her class. She motivated me and my artistic ability, which helped me realize I was capable of so much more. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Manage your time wisely. Feeling like there are not enough hours in a day means you need to slow down. There’s no hurry. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Cheerleading. It always gave me an excuse to travel during the school year. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... If I could take anything, it would have to be the painted ponies. I definitely would put them all in my front yard.

Griffith answers call of adventure, service Following graduation, senior Connor Griffith is embarking on a unique path with AmeriCorps, a service organization that does projects across the United States. Nighthawk News caught up with Griffith to ask him about the decision: Q: How did you learn about AmeriCorps? A: “My mother woke me up one morning and was like, ‘Look at this cool program I found,’ and I thought it was going to be lame but then I looked into it and thought it was really cool. I think she got an ad for it in her junk mail.” Q: When and why did you apply to join? A: “I applied maybe a month ago. I have had the application since December but I waited pretty late and did not apply until sometime in April.” Q: What are you most looking forward to while doing this? A: “I was most looking forward to travel-

ing, but I just got informed that I will be traveling South, so that’s not as exciting anymore. I had the option to go to the West Coast like Hawaii, California and Alaska, but I feel like if you get that you are just very lucky. It’s going to be cool either way because I get to travel in a van.” Q: Describe the norm for a mission with AmeriCorps: A: “Our headquarters are in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and so from Vicksburg we get to travel out to the places that need help. Our people will call us and tell us something bad happened to some community somewhere and then we hop in our van and we go. If it is far away, we obviously have to fly.” Q: When do you leave, how long will you be gone, and where are you going? A: “I leave on July 17. I will come back May 17 since it is 10 months long, and all I know is that I am going South.” – Reporting by Callie Honeycutt

Submitted Photo

Senior Connor Griffith participates in community service work at the beach. Griffith will get plenty of new service opportunities in the coming year with AmeriCorps.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Fiona Finchem

Kate Hamilton

What are your future plans? I will be attending NC State in the fall in the undecided Exploratory Studies program, where I hope to figure out what I will study. Roll pack!

What are your future plans? I plan on attending NC State to get my elementary education degree and fulfill my dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. I am also looking forward to traveling and seeing the world!

What is your favorite memory from high school? Track and field freshman year. While it’s not my favorite memory of all time, it’s my favorite memory to look back on because I think it’s so funny I ever thought that was a good idea. I hate running. It just shows how much changes from freshman to senior year. I would never have done that this year. Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Baldwin, because she was my teacher during a hard time and was always there to talk to me about it. She’s also so beautiful and fun – she’s a Froot Loop in a world of Cheerios. Mr. Mount, because I had him for English three years in a row and while his classes are rigorous, they made me a better reader and writer. He became a friend as well as a teacher. Also Mr. DeWitt, because I was so nervous about Calculus and it actually ended up being one of the most fun classes I’ve ever been in. He’s also a great teacher and friend to his students. What advice would you give to your freshman self? I would tell her to appreciate every second because I was always wishing for time to speed up so it would be summer vacation and so I would be an upperclassman. Now that I’ve reached the end, I realized time flew by incredibly fast and I wish I knew it was going to. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My friends. High school is tough and it’s important to have a good support system when times get difficult. I can’t imagine going through high school without my friends. Also my math tutor, Mr. Vrablic. If you need math help, he’s the one to help you. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I’d take Food Dudes so that I could always have their nachos with mahi for dinner every night. They’re so bussin’.

What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memory from high school was when I took a trip with my journalism class to D.C. sophomore year. Everything about that trip was just super fun! We were able to walk around and try new restaurants, see cool museums, and I was always trying to sneak in a nap whenever I could because we would be up late talking and messing around. Who was your best teacher ever? My best teacher was Ms. Wetzel, now Mrs. Nophsker. She was such an amazing teacher and truly an inspiration. She made each student feel special and was always going out of her way to make our learning experience better. As I plan to become a teacher, I hope I can be as great of a teacher as she is. What advice would you give to your freshman self? I would tell my freshman self to not stress the small things and to just have fun. Don’t worry about what people think and just be you. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... I couldn’t do high school without my friends. They were there to support me and make life just a little bit easier. I’ve made memories that I will never forget and I’m truly thankful for them. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Our community. We just have such a close-knit community that really cares about one another and it’s really special. I have loved growing up and feeling the support of my community and I wish I could take that with me as I move on to the next chapter of my life.

Ben Tonnesen

What are your future plans? I What are your future plans? I plan to attend UNC Chapel Hill as a was awarded a Global Gap Year Felphysics major. lowship through UNC Chapel Hill’s Office of Undergraduate AdmisWhat is your favorite memory sions and the Campus Y. I will be from high school? Hanging out designing my own immersive year with all of my friends without a of public service where I will travel care in the world, and every Satur- and volunteer in different areas of day night at The Spot. the world. With assured enrollment into the Hussman School of Who was your best teacher Journalism and Media, I will begin ever? Mr. DeWitt: I had him as my career at UNC Chapel Hill in the fall of 2023. a teacher for my sophomore and junior year, and I always had a great time in his class. From convincing What is your favorite memory him to join the John Mulaney band- from high school? Winning the wagon to finding out he shares one 4x800 meter relay at the Outdoor of my all-time favorite passions Track State Championship was – rock climbing – there was always pretty incredible, but the best part something new that made him a about it was when my teammates fun and relatable teacher. and friends all pitched in and surprised me with the state ring for my What advice would you give to 18th birthday. I wasn’t expecting your freshman self? Just remem- that at all and it will be something I ber to take it easy every once in a remember forever. while. At the end of the day, you’ll make it to graduation day, so you Who was your best teacher might as well have some fun along ever? Mr. Hanf, because he not only the way and not stress as much. inspired me to pursue a career in Also, don’t worry about the faults journalism but also helped me to of the GPA system discouraging you grow into the writer and person from having a diverse class schedI am today. He made it possible ule. Take what you want because for us to participate in incredible you want it. Don’t take it to make a opportunities like J Camp that number go higher. allowed us to develop our skills and to have fun. Some of my favorite One thing I couldn’t do high high school memories were at jourschool without is... One thing I nalism-related events that Mr. Hanf wouldn’t have been able to make it made happen. though school without would definitely be the boys. No matter what What advice would you give to was happening, when, or where it your freshman self? Don’t worry happened, the boys always had my so much about what other people back, and I always had theirs. We’re think of you. Be unapologetically pretty much an inseparable bunch, yourself and focus on the things and it’s been that way since sixth you’re passionate about. grade. One thing I couldn’t do high Something I would take with school without is... Otter – lookme from the Outer Banks and ing back on my freshman year when keep forever is... One thing I’ll I had to use Voice Memos to record take with me is all of the crazy interviews makes me cringe. memories I’ve had over the past 10 years of me living here. I’ve had Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and some of my best days, and some keep forever is... Mom’s Sweet of my worst, on this hectic island, Shop and my cat Puddins. and I’m glad I spent them here. I wouldn’t take any of it back. It got me here, didn’t it?

Monday, June 6: Graduation Practice #1 at 9 a.m. • Students are required to attend graduation practice to be able to walk in the ceremony. This practice will be in the gym. Friday, June 10: Graduation Practice #2 at 9:30 a.m. • Students are required to attend graduation practice to be able to walk during the ceremony. This practice will be at the football stadium. Breakfast will be provided by FCA.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

Maggie McNinch

Hannah Montgomery

What are your future plans? I’m going to UNC Charlotte to major in theater with a double minor in dance and English. What is your favorite memory from high school? It would probably have to be making the float every year. I remember everyone staying up until at least midnight every night working on it and on the final night we would all spend the night at my house to work on it and then get ready in our class colors together the next morning. Freshman year was the most iconic one. Our whole class got together to make the most insane freshman float. We got second but definitely were the real winners. Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Baldwin and Mrs. Will. Ms. B encouraged me to take AP Art and really helped me to become a much better artist. Her classes are always so fun and personal and I feel like she’s like my life coach. Mrs. Will has taught me so, so much this year. She’s made me look forward to going to English and made me remember how much I love it, inspiring me to minor in English. She’s always so warm and welcoming and I appreciate her so much. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Always say yes to going out, even if you don’t feel like it. It’ll be worth it. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My closet. I actually can’t stand going to school without wearing something cute. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The beach road. I’m gonna miss getting to drive up and down with my windows rolled down and my friends and I blasting music in the summer. The main road’s just not the same.

Friday, June 10: Graduation Ceremony at 7 p.m. • If the weather is bad, the ceremony will be in the gym instead of at the football field. There will be NO tickets needed for outdoor graduation. For an indoor ceremony, each graduate will receive FOUR tickets for family members. They will be given out at the graduation practice Friday morning. • Ceremony pictures will be available from Lifetouch two to six weeks after the ceremony at events.lifetouch.com.

Jayden Payne

Arden Carlyle

What are your future plans? What are your future plans? In Attending Savannah College of Art the fall, I will be attending Emmanand Design (SCAD) under the major uel College as a student-athlete. of sequential art! I plan to major in business and minor in music. What is your favorite memory from high school? Meeting my What is your favorite memory friends in Game Art and Design (a from high school? I’ve had several now deceased class) and participat- great memories at First Flight, ing in theater with my whole pack therefore, it’s hard to pick just one. of dorks! Furniture <3 However, my absolute favorite memory is Senior Night. Playing volleyball alongside the best teamWho was your best teacher ever? My top teachers – because mates has been such an amazing you simply can NOT get me to pick experience. – are: Ms. Deal, Mrs. Penn, Mrs. McClary, Mr. Hanf, Dr. Mitchell, Who was your best teacher Mrs. DeWitt, Mr. Haske. ever? Mr. Waters because of his continual encouragement and support. We share a love for music and What advice would you give have been singing together since to your freshman self? Lighten up. Break up with that dude that’s freshman year. been making you uncomfortable What advice would you give for months. TALK to people. Push your boundaries and GOD DANG IT to your freshman self? Time stand up for yourself, you silly little flies so enjoy every moment! Stay nestling!! motivated and determined because it will pay off. One thing I couldn’t do high One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Theater and school without is... My friends, Adobe classes. Life has never been the same since I’ve taken them. Front Porch, and tardy slips ;) . Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I am going to steal the monument. That’s it. That’s what I’d take.

Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The heart and compassion that this community has for people. The Outer Banks community is truly like no other.

Cesar Corral

What are your future plans? I plan to attend Virginia Wesleyan University.

Callie Honeycutt

Porter Braddy

What are your future plans? I plan on attending Loyola University New Orleans and majoring in journalism.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Culinary class What is your favorite memory my senior year. I met great people from high school? My favorite and they made my senior year great. memory from high school was freshman Homecoming. Everything Who was your best teacher from the parade to the dance was ever? Mr. Lowe and Ms. Deal. Mr. so much fun and I hope future Lowe made me realize how much I grades get to experience that again. liked math. He was always a great teacher and going to his class alWho was your best teacher ways made my day better. Ms. Deal ever? My best teacher ever was helped me find one of my favorite Karen Head because I was one of two freshmen in her class and she hobbies to this day, which is to read. I always had fun in her class totally saved me from failing. She because she was always a great has kept up with me all four years person. and always calls me out whenever she sees me. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Enjoy What advice would you give to your time in high school because your freshman self? Just dye your hair purple. Dad will get over it in it doesn’t last too long. Time flies by really fast so try to enjoy things. like a week. Always try the best you can and try not to procrastinate too much. . One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... One thing I One thing I couldn’t do high couldn’t do high school without school without is... I couldn’t do is my constant need to always be high school without my friends. wearing a cute outfit. They truly made my high school experience much better. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and Something I would take with keep forever is... Lane Halfin me from the Outer Banks and because he is my personal hype keep forever is... I will always man and I love him. Also, if I could remember how pretty the Outer bottle up the whole beach and take Banks is and all the memories I it with me wherever I go, I totally have made here. would.

What are your future plans? To play college baseball at UMES while majoring in exercise science to become a physical therapist one day. What is your favorite memory from high school? Probably playing baseball with my teammates who I’ve known since I was in middle school. Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Deal, hands down. She was very nice, understanding, and she let her students pick out books they wanted to read and would give us time to read every class. I can only read when I genuinely like the book, so I really appreciate that she gave us the option. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Actually do your work. I know you only care about sports right now but you need good grades and it’d be nice if I didn’t have to pick up your slack. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Sports and friends. I love baseball, so if I didn’t need good grades I know I’d be done for. I also appreciate my friends who have helped me get through all the boring slow days of high school. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I’d say my patience on the road that I’ve gained from all the tourists.

From internship to part-time job to career path

By Audrey Lovell Staff Writer

ou pull into the parking lot and walk into the gray building to a chorus of enthusiastic greetings – and wagging tails. This encapsulates a typical scene at senior Mia Albright’s second home this year at Coastal Animal Hospital – an internship that inspired her career. “I always thought I wanted to be a vet,” Albright said. “I thought this opportunity would really help me decide if that’s actually what I want to do.” Albright started her internship in September and soon after discovered that she wanted to turn her childhood dream into a reality. Her internship officially ended in January, but her love for the job keeps her coming back.

“(The interns) learn to work with a team and get to actually assist the veterinarians and technicians. Without these hands-on experiences, they would not get to experience this opportunity,” said Jennifer Bridgers, Practice Manager of Coastal Animal Hospital. “She is able to perform any task with great skill, so her internship turned into a part-time job.” Now as a part-time worker, Albright gets to experience the realities of working as a veterinarian and has learned various new skills. “I learned how to set up and read fecal tests, heartworm tests, giardia tests and ear cytology. I can clip toenails, and I gave a shot once,” Albright said. Not only does she enjoy the new abilities in the field, but she also loves the welcoming work environment

within Coastal Animal Hospital. “Everyone’s super nice and easy to talk to,” Albright said. “They’re really good about teaching me things.” Added Bridgers: “Mia is part of our Coastal family and everyone loves her.” Albright plans on attending veterinary school after completing her bachelor’s degree, majoring in Animal Sciences at NC State University. The experiences she has shared with pets and co-workers have made this senior year a memorable one. “One time a little pig came in and it squealed. It was super cool to see a different kind of animal come in,” Albright said. “After working there, I just fell in love. I can’t imagine doing anything else for my job.” Junior Audrey Lovell can be reached at 23lovellau71@daretolearn.org.

Submitted Photo

Senior Mia Albright looks into a microscope during her internship at Coastal Animal Hospital. Albright looks forward to studying animal sciences at NC State and eventually becoming a vet.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Brylie King

What are your future plans? I will be attending the University of North Carolina at Wilmington to complete a degree in marine biology. What is your favorite memory from high school? My sophomore year pep rally. It was so exciting and every student was having fun. Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. Lowe, because he made going to math class fun and he always welcomed me in his class. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t take anything for granted, especially senior year. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My sister. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... My dog.

Milosz Gargol

What are your future plans? Wrestle in college and then possibly join the Coast Guard. What is your favorite memory from high school? Winning regionals as a team. Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Deal: She is very empathetic and accepting. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Lift. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Wrestling. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The boys.

Fiona McKenna

Hadley Hedges

Wes Rhodes

What are your future plans? To be peaceful, healthy, happy and to marry rich.

What are your future plans? Study pre-med at the University of South Carolina Honors College.

What are your future plans? Attending NC State College of Engineering.

What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memory from high school was our freshman year Homecoming parade.

What is your favorite memory from high school? The AP Bio group I was in sophomore year. Shoutout to Bella for the Jello and Reagan for ending up in a ditch.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Senior year soccer state playoffs.

Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Deal for sure. She’s so, so nice, down to earth and really smart. I would stick with her during a life-or-death situation.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. Richards, because his class challenged me and I liked the way he taught.

What advice would you give to What advice would you give to your freshman self? High school your freshman self? Stop trying so drama is irrelevant. hard. You’re embarrassing yourself. One thing I couldn’t do high One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Quizlet and school without is... Peyton McSparkNotes. Cleary. Something I would take with Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Barefoot Bernies’ keep forever is... Peyton McCleary. bang bang chicken.

Virginia Lawton

Rachael Beasley

What are your future plans? Joining the Navy.

What are your future plans? NCSU.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Helping in the guidance office.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Prom.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Mascio, because she’s really chill. Also, I know I can go to her if I have something going or bugging me. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Just focus on your grades and don’t fool around. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... A picture of the Kitty Hawk youth group.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

Who was your best teacher ever? Mr DeWitt, because I needed lots of help with calc and he made it not quite as insufferable.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Gard, because she was super supportive and helped me prepare for college-level courses. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Embrace every moment. It flies by. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Sports, because they helped balance a heavy school and workload. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... All my summer memories on the beach and good friends.

Tina Hempfer

What are your future plans? To attend the Douglas J. Aveda Institute in Chicago. What is your favorite memory from high school? Track.

What are your future plans? Going to ECU and start a family. What is your favorite memory from high school? Being a part of my great teams. Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Baz. She’s so knowledgeable, sweet and really cares about each student’s success. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Make friends and surround yourself with the people who you wanna be. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My headphones. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I would take the tightness and success of the community.

Aiden Pipkin

What are your future plans? Go to college. What is your favorite memory from high school? Track conference championship this year.

Who was your best teacher Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Linehan, because of how ever? Mrs. McClary let us play genuine she is. ping-pong in class.

What advice would you give to What advice would you give your freshman self? Power through. to your freshman self? Slow down and have fun. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My computer, One thing I couldn’t do high duh. school without is... Energy drinks. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Nothing.

Benicio Garcia Agresto

Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... My friends.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Put more effort into your classes. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Quizlet. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The ocean.

Zoe Lucas

Jada Lancsek

Lauren Hughes

Ella Samson

Maren Ingram

What are your future plans? I’m attending UNC Chapel Hill and as of now pursuing a business degree. I’m hoping to enjoy my time learning and growing in school and find what I’m really passionate about while I’m there!

What are your future plans? Go to the University of Alabama and get my doctorate in pediatrics or oncology. I also plan on rushing and being part of the honors college.

What are your future plans? I will be attending UNC Chapel Hill with a major in psychology on the pre-med track. I then plan on going to medical school to become a psychiatrist.

What are your future plans? Attend NC State to study life sciences in the fall. After those four years, head off to grad school.

What are your future plans? I am attending Appalachian State in the fall and majoring in elementary education with a focus on teacher leadership on either a speech pathology or administration pathway.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Going to the beach with all of my friends.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Rushing the football field after we beat Manteo Who was your best teacher in the Marlin Bowl this year. It felt ever? Ms. Gard, because she is per- like the first bit of normalcy we’d sonable and takes the time to get to had in years and was incredible to know her students. experience, especially as seniors.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Being a part of the senior Homecoming float and finally submitting my AP Art portfolio! Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Baldwin, aka Ms. B! She’s truly taught me so much about art and made me a better artist. She never fails to be real and give me the best advice. My high school experience wouldn’t have been the same without her. What advice would you give to your freshman self? You have nothing to worry about, just do the best you can! One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Goldfish and my MacBook. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The beach.

What is your favorite memory from high school? I have too many… I enjoyed all the years of high school, even through Covid. Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Kovacs, because she has taught me all four years, fun, kind, caring, always there for her students, and all-around amazing. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Never give up and push through all the hard times. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Friends and my parents. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Family photo on the beach so I will always have part of my home and family to look up to. Also a pictures of my puppies because I have no clue what I’m going to do without them. I’ll miss them so much!

What is your favorite memory from high school? Playing sports with my friends throughout highschool.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Anderson. I had her as my creative writing teacher freshman year and I have her this year as my AP Lit teacher. She has always What advice would you give been so kind, welcoming, caring, to your freshman self? To not helpful, uplifting and positive. procrastinate as much as I did even though I would get everything done What advice would you give on time. to your freshman self? High One thing I couldn’t do high school goes by quicker than you school without is... Energy drinks think. Never take your time for granted and find joy in the little to keep me going throughout the school days... Specifically, Monsters things. and Celsius. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Support from Something I would take with my family and friends. me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I would probSomething I would take with ably take the beach since I won’t me from the Outer Banks and be able to visit it nearly as much keep forever is... Memories. I will as I have been during the year. I never forget the late nights and all definitely took it for granted and of the laughs with my best friends. will miss it.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. Hanf. I had the privilege to have him all four years of high school for journalism, and the skills and experience I gained from his dedication and support will continue to guide me for years to come. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Soak it in and enjoy every minute because it really does fly by. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... After-school beach days and Room B-214. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Tortugas’, Viva burritos and my mom.

Music to my ears: Krucke awarded cello from Dare County Youth Orchestra donor

By Emmy Benton News Editor

oing to college to study something you love and being awarded a brand new cello to use while you’re there: Sounds like a dream, right? This dream became a reality for senior Joey Krucke after he was surprised earlier this month with a new cello from Dare County Youth Orchestra (DCYO). Krucke, who will be attending Elon University to study music performance on the cello, joined orchestra in the sixth grade and has been with DCYO since he moved here in seventh grade. His passion for music has led to him wanting to pursue it as a career, and he’s excited to get started. “(I’m) hoping to take as many music classes as they’ll let me,” Krucke said. The cello that he’ll use for these classes was paid for by the Bill and Alice Pratt Memorial Fund and presented by DCYO. It was extra special for Krucke because he had never owned his own cello before. “I feel very honored and I’m incredibly thankful for it,” Krucke said. “I’m looking forward to getting a lot of use out of it.” The fund was established in 2019 by Bill Pratt to

honor his wife, Alice, who was a piano teacher for over 25 years. It helps DCYO continue her legacy and inspire young performers to follow their love for music. DCYO’s goal of exposing students in fourththrough 12th-grade to strings instruction in the schools is made possible by this fund and other community grants, which has helped the program grow from 12 students to over 150 musicians since its establishment in 2008. Donna Trivette, president of the DCYO Board, was ecstatic that the program could raise enough money to give Krucke a cello to take with him to college. “I’m overjoyed,” Trivette said. “I’m so excited to be able to do this for him.” The board saw his passion for music and wanted to do something special for him because of his dedication. Like many other DCYO students, Krucke had rented an instrument from the group over the years. With his new cello in tow, Trivette hopes Krucke will flourish at Elon doing what he loves most. “I hope that Joey realizes how much this community supports him and wants to see him succeed and follow his musical dream,” Trivette said. Junior Emmy Benton can be reached at 23bentonem58@daretolearn.org.

Photo by Steve Hanf/Nighthawk News

Senior Joey Krucke plays the cello at the Harvest HayDay orchestra event at the Elizabethan Gardens this past fall. Krucke will continue his musical career at Elon University with his new cello gifted to him by the DYCO.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Brandi Kusina

Bridget Cowan

Tyler Anderson

What are your future plans? Go What are your future plans? to college and get a business degree. Attend COA in the fall.

What are your future plans? Going to ECU in the fall.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Meeting new friends!

What is your favorite memory from high school? Theatre rehearsals.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Kovacs! She would always encourage me to be better and help me through all my work with other classes if I needed it! What advice would you give to your freshman self? Pay attention and do your work.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Penn, Ms. Deal, Mr. Bowman, Mr. Haske, Mrs. Neal, Profe Leo, Mrs. McClary, Mr. Godwin, Mrs. Baldwin, Mrs. McKee and Mrs. Gale. These teachers have made a huge impact on my experience in high school and I’m so happy I got to learn from them.

What is your favorite memory from high school? States for swim this year was pretty amazing. I’ll never forget all the memories from the team that we had for those few days.

One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My sister’s encouragement.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? It gets way better.

Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I don’t think I would take anything tangible and keep it forever, but something I will keep with me is all the memories I made.

One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Coffee.

Gavin Wassler

Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Allegra Mackenzie-Reece.

Ian Crumpler

Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Basilone, because she gave us candy today and because she was an amazing teacher all year and it helped to make APUSH one of the best classes I’ve ever had.

Reagan Minnich

What are your future plans? I plan to study marine biology in college and hopefully have a career as a research scientist. What is your favorite memory from high school? Rushing the field after we won the Marlin Bowl. Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Gard: I had so much fun in her class and she always gave me great advice.

Shawn Taylor

Yuwon Kim

What are your future plans? Cop or sports management.

What are your future plans? Go to college and become an artist.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Culinary class.

What is your favorite memory from high school? The last bell.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Prom.

Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Mitchell.

Who was your best teacher ever? My dad because he’s taught me everything.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Playing basketball with the boys.

One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... AirPods. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... My surfboard.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Linehan is awesome.

What advice would you give to What advice would you give to your freshman self? Do your work. your freshman self? Time goes by fast, so have fun. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My phone. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Friends. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and Something I would take with keep forever is... Winks. me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... My shoe.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

What are your future plans? Majoring in nursing at ECU. What is your favorite memory from high school? Junior Prom at the monument. Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Kovacs: Mrs. K has always gone above and beyond for my classmates and I as well as supporting us in and out of the classroom. She is an incredible woman and has inspired me to pursue a career in nursing.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Stop worrying What advice would you give to so much about what other people your freshman self? Take school What advice would you give think! seriously and find what you’re pasto your freshman self? Don’t be sionate about. Also, get your license! afraid to step outside your comfort One thing I couldn’t do high zone. school without is... Monster enerOne thing I couldn’t do high gy drinks. school without is... My friends. One thing I couldn’t do high Something I would take with school without is... The swim team. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Memories from Something I would take with keep forever is... Our sense of supspending summers at the beach me from the Outer Banks and port and community. with friends. keep forever is... The beach.

What are your future plans? To What are your future plans? be an executive chef. COA and make money.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Take it more seriously.

Rhea Doyle

Gabriel Rodriguez

What are your future plans? Work in construction, specialize and have my own business.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Those Who was your best teacher moments when I was on the soccer ever? Mr. Ramirez: He teaches math team. It is something that I will well and tries to help me succeed. always remember.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? It’s OK to ask for help.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Hart. I’m grateful that she helped me learn this language.

One thing I couldn’t do high What advice would you give school without is... My friends and to your freshman self? Work on phone. improving yourself every day. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... A seashell.

Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The sunsets.

Emily Yurasek

Neely Morris

What are your future plans? I will be attending UNC Chapel Hill to major in biology. After graduation, I plan to attend UNC’s dental grad school to pursue a career as an orthodontist.

What are your future plans? To attend the University of Lynchburg and play lacrosse while majoring in political science and to attend law school after I graduate.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Being undefeated in singles for tennis my senior year. Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Gard. She was always very friendly and made me want to reach for the highest. She is also one of the reasons I would like to study biology. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t blink. It’ll end faster than you think. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... All of the extracurricular activities such as tennis, jazz band, marching band and concert band. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... My friends and the small community.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Winning the conference championships in both basketball and lacrosse while playing both at the same time. Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Linehan. Her class was always something I looked forward to and she was always kind and welcoming no matter what. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t worry about everyone else, focus on yourself and you’ll ﬁnd your friends. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Sports, 100% sports. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I honestly don’t know, it’s more of the experiences or things that I’ve done here that I’d take, not an object.

Warner Campbell

Kayla Brown

What are your future plans? I What are your future plans? To will be attending the University of go to East Carolina University and North Carolina at Charlotte, where study in digital art and design. I will be running on the cross country and track teams. What is your favorite memory from high school? I think Winter What is your favorite memory Formal was my favorite memory from high school? My favorite because I had a really great time memory from high school was with my friends. winning my first state title in the 4x800-meter relay. It was my Who was your best teacher freshman year and first ever indoor ever? Mrs. McClary was one of track season. Such a good group my favorite teachers because she of guys and I will never forgot the helped me find out what I want to memories I made with them. major in. Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Deal, because on my first day of school in a new place I felt comfortable in her class and always enjoyed it.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To be more open and conﬁdent. I used to be super shy and not really hang out with anyone.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Trust the process, buddy!

One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My friends. I wouldn’t be able to be the person I am without them.

One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Running. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... My friends and high school memories I made.

Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The people, because we are such a small community, so everyone knows everyone and I’ll miss that.

Paulina Segura

What are your future plans? Going to COA for two years and then transferring to ECU for nursing. What is your favorite memory from high school? I had a crush on a dude and I saw him outside as I was walking into school and kept staring at him and tripped over the concrete. Who was your best teacher ever? Deﬁnitely Mrs. Kovacs and Mr. Waters because they always push you and try their hardest to make sure you pass their classes and do your best so if you don’t pass their classes that’s on you. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Focus on your schoolwork more instead of other things. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Emma and Abby. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Waveriders’ walkover bagel.

Seniors face prospect of parting with pets

“Whenever I come home from not seeing her for a while she gets so happy and excited and I think I’m going to really miss that next year.” – senior Mya Salch with miniature Australian Shepherd, Isla

“Pretty much ever since I moved to the Outer Banks he’s always been there for me and he’s always been by my side whenever I needed him.” – senior Ben Tonnesen with cavapoo, Dude

“When she was younger and “She’s not very smart so she fell you could pick her up, she off a nine-foot drop on a beach would make this screaming so she tore her ACL and broke sound and she has really funny her hip.” teeth that stick out.” – senior Mason Gates with – senior Rhea Doyle with silver lab, Athena pot-bellied pig, Winona

“I’ll miss her energy the most and our walks back in Nags Head Woods.” – senior Grace Woerner with boxer-chow mix, Willow

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Nigel Kyger

What are your future plans? I will be attending UNCW to study engineering. What is your favorite memory from high school? Playing basketball. Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. Richards taught me well and I enjoyed his class.

Riley Haynes

Tatum Love

Madison Pugh

Kenzie Baker

What are your future plans? Real estate.

What are your future plans? COA classes and working.

What are your future plans? Pediatric physical therapist.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Freshman art class.

What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memory is my coming home parade! :)

What is your favorite memory from high school? Pep rallies.

Who was your best teacher ever? Karen Head: She was a really good influence on me.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t be scared to leave your comfort zone.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? No one cares what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.

One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Friends.

One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Tardy passes.

Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The beach.

Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The community.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Head, because she was always happy to teach and was Who was your best teacher ever? My favorite teachers were Mr. entertaining. Herman and Ms. Clagett! What advice would you give to What advice would you give to your freshman self? Make every day count! your freshman self? Wear different clothes. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My family and One thing I couldn’t do high friends. school without is... Being able to meet new people. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and Something I would take with keep forever is... Probably my me from the Outer Banks and family. keep forever is... My family.

What are your future plans? Attend East Carolina University and major in elementary education. What is your favorite memory from high school? Almost getting charged. Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Neller, because she was so sweet and was always there to help. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t stress it, it’s only high school. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My best friend. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The sunsets.

Future healthcare heroes created in Health Sciences program ccording to Healthline and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), healthcare workers have been pushed to their limits in recent years due to the pandemic, and a vast shortage is expected to come throughout the next decade. Statistics show that over one million new registered nurses (RNs) will be needed by 2030 to meet healthcare demands. This is one of the many reasons why Health Sciences and Nursing Fundamentals teacher Jennifer Kovacs is ecstatic to be guiding students to become future healthcare heroes through the Health Sciences pathway program here at First Flight. “We are considered a Nurse Aide I Training Center here, which is a program that I began and have seen four classes through,” Kovacs said. “For our small town, it’s a really nice thing to have and it’s very valuable for students that are going into nursing.” Students must take two prerequisite courses – Health Science I and II – before moving on to the Nursing Fundamentals course, which consists of 270 hours of class time that includes 40 hours of clinical rotation. After passing a written and skills exam, students receive their Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) I training certificate.

“

I learned so much more during our time at the hospital than I could have if we stayed in the classroom.

“

By Maren Ingram Editor-in-Chief

– Emma Halloran

“The state of North Carolina requires that students going into a nursing program at some point must receive their Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) I training,” Kovacs said. “For students that are going into nursing, this class is mandatory – you have to have it somehow, whether it comes from a community college or you’re lucky enough to attend a high school that has it.” Through the program, students must learn and master 68 different skills step-by-step before they are allowed to move onto clinicals, which is hands-on nursing care to real patients in a hospital or facility setting. “(Students) are dealt clinical scenarios where they must develop a care plan, follow the care plan orders, follow the supervisory staff’s instructions and perform their skills,” Kovacs said.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

The hands-on work with real patients gives students a chance to decide which area of medicine they want to pursue in the future. “The (clinical) experience we’ve had was really crucial in helping me figure out what I wanted to do, because I wasn’t sure what area of medicine I wanted to go into until I started doing all the hands-on stuff,” said senior Emily Byrum, who plans on attending UNCW to study Exercise Science. In addition to the plethora of medical skills students gain through Kovacs’ courses, they also gain valuable expertise on teamwork in the workplace and building relationships with patients. “There’s much more to being a compassionate and effective healthcare provider, it’s not just knowing the technical skills,” Kovacs said. “It’s those employability skills, the ability to work with a team, the ability to communicate well with not just your co-workers but with your patients and their families.” Kovacs’ students saw improvement with their own skills during their clinical rotation time and saw it to be beneficial as well, including senior Emma Halloran, who looks forward to studying Nursing at ECU. “I learned so much more during our time at the hospital than I could have if we stayed in the classroom,” Halloran said. “Working on real patients is so different from working on man-

nequins. The hands-on work adds to our experience and has made us more confident in our skills.” Many of these students know the negative effects that the pandemic has had on healthcare professionals, but remain excited to begin their next steps toward careers in medicine. “Since I was little I’ve always wanted to just help people and be able to make a difference. I know it’s going to be hard but it’s also going to be so rewarding at the same time,” said senior Jada Lancsek, who will be attending the University of Alabama for their Pre-Medicine program. “Healthcare is something that everyone is always going to need, and there are not enough workers.” Agreed Halloran: “With COVID there aren’t as many healthcare workers, and with this program it’s inspiring to see so many people excited to help people.” Through the Nursing program Kovacs worked to create here at First Flight, she continues to create compassionate future healthcare heroes, one student at a time. “Knowing that people want to go into such a profession is heartwarming,” Kovacs said. “A healthcare worker is someone who knows there is a risk at all times, but we will always need healthcare workers to function as a society.” Senior Maren Ingram can be reached at 22ingramma01@daretolearn.org.

Myla Bancroft

Kaitlin McCarter

What are your future plans? Wake Technical Community College for a year, then transferring to NC State University. What is your favorite memory from high school? All of senior year. This year is definitely superior and there are way too many good memories to name just one. Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Mascio: She made history fun and we were always laughing in her class. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Do your homework – don’t procrastinate it. If you do it when you get it and not put it off, you can have more time to socialize with your friends and be a good student on top of it. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Quizlet, 100%. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I would take my dog Buster with me and keep him forever if I could.

What are your future plans? My plans are to work and save up while going to COA, then to travel with my friends and family every chance I can get. What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memories from high school are all from being in Peer Power. Walking to the elementary and middle school a few times a week was the best part. Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Deal, because she’s so empathetic of every student and treats them as if they were her own kids.

Jose-Daniel Mejia

Emma Bonamico

Grace Woerner

What are your future plans? I plan to attend Appalachian State, where I will major in cybersecurity.

What are your future plans? College, majoring in early childhood education.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Cooking with my best friends and starting a podcast with them. Also, running through the halls to play tag with them.

What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memory was senior prom. I had the best time and the prom was really good.

Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Deal!!! She is a very dedicated teacher who is kind-hearted and supportive of all her students. What advice would you give to your freshman self? To not procrastinate school work and to study more!

What advice would you give to your freshman self? To not be so One thing I couldn’t do high hard on myself. school without is... Definitely couldn’t do high school without a One thing I couldn’t do high Chromebook, nor a calculator! school without is... Support from family and friends. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and Something I would take with keep forever is... All the great me from the Outer Banks and memories I’ve had from elementary keep forever is... The relationships school all the way through high I’ve made. school.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Head: She always made class entertaining and was so down-to-earth. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Have fun!!! Don’t stress about what people think and be yourself!!! One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My amazing friends. They’re like family and they made high school 10x better. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Being so kind to everyone I come in contact with. A little bit of kindness can change someone’s day more than you know.

What are your future plans? I plan to attend NC State to become a meteorologist, but I also want to travel around all of Europe one day. What is your favorite memory from high school? Becoming close with some people in my calculus class. I’ve never laughed harder in my life than with them. Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. DeWitt, because he helped me understand complicated math, something I’m going to need in my career. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Smile more in the halls and don’t look so angry all the time. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My AirPods: the music made doing tedious tasks a little more bearable. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... My plants. If I can keep them alive.

COA gives seniors a chance to earn a degree – before graduation think it was worth it? Kayla: “It was difficult to balance all of these classes along with my other classes, but it was definitely worth it to go into college with credits that fulfill my general education requirements.” Brylie: “It was challenging, but I think it was worth it.”

Seniors Kayla Hallac and Brylie King have already been to one graduation ceremony this spring after earning an associate degree from College of The Albemarle. Nighthawk News caught up with them to ask about the experience: Q: Why/when did you decide to get your associate degree while in high school? Kayla: “I decided to get my associate degree junior year after realizing how much it would pay off in college.” Brylie: “I decided to get my associate in science at COA when I was a sophomore. I wanted to do this because it saves a lot of money for college and the courses seemed interesting.” Q: What did you have to do to achieve this goal? Kayla: “I took at least four COA classes each semester as well as summer COA classes.” Brylie: “It was not easy. I took 62 credit hours through COA, which included summer classes and packed schedules. I had to manage my time wisely and work independently. COA

Q: Would you recommend this path to other people? Kayla: “Definitely. It is giving me the opportunity to create a schedule of classes that interests me and helps me work toward my major at my first year at UNC Chapel Hill.” Brylie: “I would recommended this path for other people. I think it’s a great opportunity.” Submitted Photo

Seniors Kayla Hallac (left) and Brylie King show off their College of The Albemarle diplomas at May’s COA graduation.

classes are definitely different than high school courses. They are rigorous and require a lot of determination.” Q: Was it difficult for you? Do you

Q: How is this going to help you in college? Kayla: “This makes it possible for me to start taking classes in the Gillings School of Public Health as a freshman and possibly obtain my master’s degree within four years at college.” Brylie: “This is going to help me in college because it will save money,

time, and I can start my major right away. I have the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in two years instead of four.” Q: How did it feel when you received your diploma? Kayla: “It was super exciting and I felt old because I was receiving a college degree before my high school diploma!” Brylie: “It felt like a relief to me. All the hard work I had done the last two years was worth it and it is an amazing accomplishment.” Q: Was there anyone who encouraged you during this process? Kayla: “My mom definitely realized the benefits of the pathway early on, so she definitely encouraged me to finish it.” Brylie: “My family and my guidance counselor encouraged me through this process. My family pushed me to try my best and work hard, while Mrs. (Amy) White helped me plan my schedule.” – Reporting by Emma Braithwaite and Allie Nigro

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Riley Shealey

Joey Krieg

What are your future plans? To What are your future plans? attend ECU and major in biochem- Attend Lynn University and major istry. After that, I want to attend PA in international business. school. What is your favorite memory What is your favorite memory from high school? 2022. from high school? Someone trying to press charges on me over petty Who was your best teacher drama. ever? Ms. Clagett, but I’m a little biased because she could be the Who was your best teacher worst teacher in the world – which ever? Mr. Emery: He was the only she’s not! – and she’d still be my teacher that helped me and worked favorite. Mrs. Mascio is the best, with me when I got sick sophomore too. She made my freshman year so year. much better. Gotta shout out Mr. Sakers, too. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Some What advice would you give to teachers will not help you when your freshman self? I would probyou need it. ably just let that guy be. Mistakes are meant to be. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Ms. Garrett. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Sports, Celcius Something I would take with and my chromebook. me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... My love for the Something I would take with beach. me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... My friends.

Allegra Mackenzie-Reece

What are your future plans? I’m going to be attending UCI in the fall for criminology! What is your favorite memory from high school? Any lunch period in Ms. B’s class and the opening night of “Mary Poppins” my freshman year. Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Baldwin! Her class is just the best and she really cares about her students, and her curriculum and involvement reflect her dedication to art! Also, she’s just the coolest teacher/person ever and I love her so much. :)) What advice would you give to your freshman self? Be less scared and eat more bagels. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Red Bull. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Bridget.

Aubrey Holland

Lexi Martello

What are your future plans? What are your future plans? To find a job that I love and can travel Attend Wake Tech for a year to figure out what I am passionate about the world. and then transfer to NC State. What is your favorite memory What is your favorite memory from high school? Probably being able to help with peer tutoring and from high school? When my mom dressed up as the mascot for a baslearning about the kids’ personalketball game sophomore year. ities. Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. Buford: I had him as my choir teacher since the third grade. He has pushed me to be the best possible person I could.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. Herman: He was just a cool guy in general and very easy to talk to. Super funny, and he made the class fun while also being a good teacher.

What advice would you give What advice would you give to your freshman self? To not mess around and not do my work. It to your freshman self? Don’t start makes things so much easier to just doing stupid stuff until junior year because you get behind on your do it the first time. school work. One thing I couldn’t do high One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My best friends. school without is... My friends. Something I would take with Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The memories of me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Avery – my sister. summer with my friends.

Ahead of the curve: A junior addition to the senior class

By Samuel Smith Opinions Editor

igh school: From freshmen to seniors, four years of educational development in preparation for the rest of their lives makes up the traditional high school mindset. Statistics show that fewer than 3% of American high school students take an alternative route in getting through these four years. Early graduation involves the accumulation of high school credits required for graduation prior to the scheduled year of graduation. While some may graduate a semester early in their otherwise normal fourth year, early graduation is also available through the approach taken by First Flight High School now-senior Rachael Beasley, who is graduating in her third year of high school. “I didn’t have (early graduation) in mind at first, but I noticed that I only had one English credit and my foreign languages to take,” Beasley said. “So my two options were sit around and do not much for two years or just get it done and over with.” Beasley isn’t alone in not thinking about early graduation at first; howev-

Submitted Photo

Senior Rachael Beasley poses in the Free Expression Tunnel on the NC State campus during a recent tour of her future home.

er, with the number of early graduates increasing notably in recent years, it is apparent that this mindset is changing. Beasley’s guidance counselor, Lisa Wheless, feels that such a change stems from a number of timely factors: “COVID has definitely been a factor in the increased number of students graduating early,” Wheless said. “Many of these students would like to start their adult lives early by attending

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

college, working or traveling before college.” Embracing the yearn to begin her adult life early, and with only a few needed credits left, Beasley set her sights on her very own early graduation. While the thought of acquiring all necessary credits for high school graduation by junior year may have, at some point in the past, seemed rather daunting, the class options afforded to students in Dare County Schools has made such a feat all the more reachable. “Rachael came to me with the desire to graduate early when we met at her registration meeting in her sophomore year,” Wheless said. “Like many in her class, she came to FFHS with several high school credits which she earned in middle school. It is important to note that Rachael had a clear vision of what she wanted to do while she was still in her sophomore year and she made a plan and stuck with it.” Beasley’s “clear vision” was set: take NC State University’s College of Natural Resources by storm and achieve a respectable career in the research aspect of sustainability and national park conservation. With a major in Earth and Environ-

mental Science in mind, Beasley sets out for a college career beginning this August. Despite the accomplishments clear in Beasley’s future, the early graduation process does leave one downside in its wake: the friends from the Class of 2023 she has to leave behind at FFHS. One such friend, however, is happy to cheer her on from afar. “I’m excited for her and her future and to see where she goes in life,” junior Ethan Ball said. “I think that Rachael is completely ready to move forward with her educational career and that she’s the smartest person I know, so she’s definitely going to do great in college.” A clear path being set is definitely helpful when it comes to preparing for college, but the support of Beasley’s friends and family proves a notable benefit, as well. “I’m super excited and my family is really proud of me,” Beasley said. “I’m ready to be in a new environment and I’m moving in the week I turn 17. (My) advice is to give respect where respect is due, but to also be assertive in what you want.” Junior Samuel Smith can be reached at 23smithsa22@daretolearn.org.

Beckett Crossman

What are your future plans? I plan to tour professionally for disc golf.

Greer Farr

What are your future plans? I plan to play baseball for Hampden-Sydney College.

What is your favorite memory What is your favorite memory from high school? Mrs. Robinson’s from high school? Winning the second-round state playoff game class, senior year. Best class I ever my junior year. had! Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Kinnisten. She is like my second mom!

Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Clagett, because she always has a smile on her face.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Homework first, anything else later.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t take high school for granted and work hard.

One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Without a doubt, my friends. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Memories.

Brodie Nash

One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... The boys. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... My dogs.

Kaleb Howard

Susie Hala

Jaylen Copeland

What are your future plans? I will be attending NC State for fashion management and marketing.

What are your future plans? Traveling the world and studying herbalism.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Freshman year when we won the Marlin Bowl for the sixth time in a row and I got to storm the field with my brother.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Becoming home-schooled.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Cook in sixth-grade science because she always made everyone feel so welcome.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Linehan. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t stress about your future as much.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Do your COA work.

One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Comfy clothes so I can nap.

One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Sports.

Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... My memories. I had a good childhood here and it’s something I wouldn’t want to forget.

Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... My baby blanket.

Devon Coughlin

Dylan Byard

James Rollason

What are your future plans? I will attend UNC Charlotte to study computer science. After college, I plan to be an officer in the Army. What is your favorite memory from high school? Meeting my best friends. Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Lowe, because even though I had her in sixth grade, she still regularly talks to my mom. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Start going to the gym. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My friends. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... A recipe book from Thai Room.

Jackson Kelly

What are your future plans? Study kinesiology.

What are your future plans? To What are your future plans? To What are your future plans? travel the world and see new culture. work and attend COA. Attend NC State for business.

What are your future plans? Seeing where life takes me.

What is your favorite memory from high school? 2022 swim state championships – best sports event I’ve ever had.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Skipping second to catch some of the best waves of my life.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Lacrosse season, all of them.

Who was your best teacher Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. DeWitt can answer all my ever? Mr. Godwin, because he questions and explains in a way I understands teenagers and he is a understand. very polite and rad dude. What advice would you give to What advice would you give to your freshman self? Just chill out. your freshman self? Don’t be too hard on yourself. Your grades don’t One thing I couldn’t do high define who you are as a person. school without is... Sports. One thing I couldn’t do high Something I would take with school without is... My clothes. me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Probably the Something I would take with memorabilia I have from swimme from the Outer Banks and ming. keep forever is... My surfboard.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Probably winning states for the 4x800 with Max, Warner and Henry in track. Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Deal, because she is really nice and teaches really well. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Start caring about your grades and don’t be lazy. Get better at organizing. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Friends. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The beach and the nice weather.

What is your favorite memory from high school? My senior year of lacrosse. We are in the quarterfinals right now and could go farther and it’s so much fun playing with this team. Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Kinnisten: She’s just the best. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Enjoy it while it lasts. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My boys. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The vibe here.

Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Deal: She really knows how to make a class stress-free. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t worry, I still don’t know what I’m doing. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Noise-canceling AirPods. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... A never-ending Surfin’ Spoon bowl.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Jake Brown

What are your future plans? COA then transfer to MIZ – the University of Missouri. What is your favorite memory from high school? Being able to take it online and traveling all the time. Who was your best teacher ever? Prince: Even when he’s not my teacher, he still finds a way to brighten my day. Just the best coach a guy could ask for. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Put money into Bitcoin. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Football. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I definitely DO NOT have my jersey.

Chloe Clark

Key Lige

Pia Jastrzemski

London Setser

What are your future plans? I will be attending North Carolina State University for the next four years. After graduation, I want to pursue a career in the medical field.

What are your future plans? Go to college.

What are your future plans? Go to college and move to Europe.

What is your favorite memory from high school? The pep rallies.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Meeting my best friend.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Junior prom with all of my close friends.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. Richards. He is super hard, but gets the information through to you.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. Maurer in middle school. He made everything so fun and interesting. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t take things too seriously. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My friends. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The beach.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? It goes by super fast so take it year by year. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Sports. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... My skills for sports.

Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. Waters. He always was so funny and gave good advice. What advice would you give to your freshman self? It really does not matter at all what people think of you. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Brainly. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Not a thing. :))

What are your future plans? Be a real estate agent and travel the world. What is your favorite memory from high school? Meeting my husband. Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. Waters, because he’s great. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t care so much. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My bestie, Pia. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Absolutely nothing.

Seniors speak passionately about foreign language skills

By Versailles Dalessio Online Editor-in-Chief

n the rapidly developing world of technology, manufacturing, production and endless advancements, communication is one of the most valued and shared practices across the globe. Working through language barriers is a huge challenge in today’s society, so sticking with a class like Spanish all four years provides key skills to a number of students. “I think being bilingual is so impactful today because we live in a global economy where a second language can improve competitiveness in the job market, make travel easier and enjoyable, increase cultural awareness, improve social life, and it even makes your brain stronger,” Spanish teacher Nitzia Gale said. During her time teaching Spanish II, III and IV, Gale has enjoyed helping those who are eager to learn and ready to adopt a second language. Not only is this experience meaningful to her career, but she expresses a deep passion for spreading cultural awareness to her students. “The most rewarding aspect of teaching a foreign language has been being able to share my language with

my students, because every year I meet students who want to minor or major in Spanish and it has helped them with their career choices,” Gale said. “Every student that I teach impacts my teaching career in so many different ways. Each year I learn more and better ways to exercise patience wisely, and the impact of former students’ learning abilities constantly re-enforces my teaching skills.” Since adolescence, senior Maren Ingram has shown an interest in taking up the language and becoming fluent herself. During her middle school years, Ingram and her family visited Spain and Portugal for two weeks, prompting her to begin taking Spanish I her freshman year. Sophomore year, she decided to take Spanish II, followed by her doubling up with Spanish III and IV junior year and finally enrolling in a COA Spanish course this year. With her fluency in the subject, and enhanced reading, writing and speaking skills, Ingram already knows what success looks like for her after graduation. “I am going to App State to major in elementary education on a speech therapy path and I’m going to minor in Spanish,” Ingram said. “My goal is to become a fluent Spanish-speaking speech therapist, so I’m really looking

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

forward to working in schools. I think having that Spanish speaking addition is going to be really helpful because I can help kids that only speak Spanish. And I think there is a lack of that type of help in schools nowadays.” Senior Tina Hempfer also values the importance of adopting a second language because of the potential flexibility it provides when gaining real-world experience. “In learning the language, you can be more inclusive of other people, because of course not everyone can speak English,” Hempfer said. “Also, it can help you culturally in case you ever want to travel. Look around: We’re so diverse in our country at this point, surely not everyone’s going to speak English and vice versa, so we might as well learn more than one.” With Hempfer’s impressive background experience and extensive knowledge in the subject, she has paved the way for her success later in life. “I have already taken all of my Spanish courses and I’m in the Spanish Honor Society. I’m going to be going to school for cosmetology, esthiology and massage therapy, and if I ever have clients who can’t speak English, I can at least get the little borderline between,” Hempfer said. “I want to

use it whenever I can. If I know people that do speak Spanish, I want to try to push it in there a little to keep me on my toes.” Similarly to Ingram and Hempfer, senior Hadley Hedges embraces a love for learning a language aside from her own, and enjoys collaborating with her peers in a fun and playful way. “It’s been really nice to connect with people because we’re all learning the language together, so just being able to have longer and longer sentences formed and being able to laugh about it is the best part,” Hedges said. She plans to utilize her skills in the medical field and provide services to individuals who may not get the help that they need. “I’m actually doing pre-med in college and I want to minor in Spanish, so I’m hoping to study abroad and work at clinics in Spanish-speaking countries,” Hedges said. “I feel that being able to translate and provide medical care in more than one language will help make travel so much easier, and I can go anywhere in the world and be able to communicate with people who speak English or Spanish, or help people if there is a language barrier.” Senior Versailles Dalessio can be reached at 22dalessiove31@daretolearn. org.

Emily Byrum

Gage Tomlin

What are your future plans? I am going to attend UNC Wilmington to major in exercise science and eventually become a physical therapist.

What are your future plans? I’m going to Elizabeth City State in the fall and majoring in aviation with plans to join the Coast Guard.

Kevin Hoffman

What are your future plans? COA. What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memory from high school was my ﬁrst day of freshman year. Who was your best teacher ever? I would have to say that my best teacher was Andrew Thomas because he made the class more interesting. What advice would you give to your freshman self? I would tell my freshman self not to stress so much about everything in high school. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... I could not do high school without my friends to talk to. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I have lots of beach and OBX pictures on my phone to remember where I grew up.

What is your favorite memory What is your favorite memory from high school? Winning the from high school? Getting to build Marlin Bowl at Manteo junior year the Homecoming ﬂoats every year with my friends and brother and and getting to be on them with a rushing the ﬁeld with the Marlin bunch of my friends. and the team.

Peyton McCleary

Benecia DelToro

What are your future plans? I have plans to become a yacht stewardess! What is your favorite memory from high school? When we would all work together to make our Homecoming ﬂoat.

What are your future plans? My future plans are to keep working at NHPC, the best job ever, and to continue my education through COA to work toward my associate degree.

What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite Who was your best teacher memory from high school was ever? Ms. Baldwin: I had her for Art deﬁnitely freshman year when 2 and Ceramics. I love how comfy somebody smoked a cigarette in the Who was your best teacher and relaxed her class is. She knows bathroom. Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Kovacs, because you ever? Ms. Deal, because she’s how to make all her students feel know that she truly cares about all always been so nice to me and at home and safe and she’s super Who was your best teacher of her students and wants them to helpful throughout my entire high relatable. ever? Mr. Waters, because he can succeed. school career. get along with all of his students What advice would you give and he encourages fun and handsWhat advice would you give What advice would you give to your freshman self? Be nice to on learning. to your freshman self? Enjoy your to your freshman self? Just ask everyone, smile at random people freshman year because you only get her, go to practice, and never give in the halls, say hi to teachers What advice would you give two full years of high school. up on tag. standing outside their classrooms to your freshman self? Take two and go to every sports game. culinary classes instead of a math. One thing I couldn’t do high One thing I couldn’t do high Because math sucks. school without is... Red Bulls and school without is... My friends and One thing I couldn’t do high Goldﬁsh. the fun we had. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... EARBUDS. school without is... My friends. Something I would take with Something I would take with Something I would take with Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and me from the Outer Banks and me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Sea glass!! They me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Front Porch, keep forever is... Coach Prince’s make great earrings and necklaces. keep forever is... My mom. especially their iced West 3rds. Corvette.

Seniors and teacher parents recount beneﬁts of close proximity Nighthawk News caught up with seniors and their teacher parents to ﬁnd out what it’s like having a family member in the building. – Photos and reporting by Versailles Dalessio Callie Honeycutt, Audrey Lovell and Michael Pearson

“If I forget to get something signed at night, my mommy is always there for me.” – senior Noah Kinnisten

“I can always get snacks and leave snacks in her room. It’s just nice to have a family member close by.” – senior Liz Clagett

“It’s deﬁnitely helpful having a parent-teacher when it comes to school, especially when it comes to chemistry.” – senior Emma Richards

“One of the major perks is that you get the good and the bad stories, so you get to experience more of their growing up. You all are in high school for the majority of your day, so as a parent, we get that little bit extra.” – Jennifer Kinnisten

“It’s nice because if she needs anything, or forgets anything, I’m here to sign stuff and all that. And I also forget stuff, and she doesn’t have a ﬁrst period, so I’m like ‘Can you bring my lunch?’ or ‘I forgot this,’ ‘I don’t like my pants,’ so it’s just really fun having her around.” – Katherine Clagett

“I think a lot of parents may be a little out of touch about what expectations are, where with me here, she knows that I know what’s expected.” – Ray Richards

“I get to go into her ofﬁce and steal candy. It’s also nice to just pop in and say hey. She’s always close if I need anything or I am having a rough day.” – senior Hadley Hedges “I like knowing the teachers because these are the teachers that will be teaching my kids. I like to catch glimpses of Hadley in the hall.” – Jill Hedges

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Caleigh Radogna

Colin Byard

What are your future plans? Go to COA for my associates, then transfer to a school to get my holistic medicine license.

What are your future plans? Attending a four-year university and hopefully coming out of it with a good job related to business. I would also like to travel internationally.

What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memories are from my senior year in Spanish 4 with Señora Gale. That was my favorite class of high school. Who was your best teacher ever? Señora Gale: She taught me so much about Spanish and because of her I hope to become fluent and travel through South America one day. She was the most down-toEarth and funny teacher I’ve ever had. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t put too much pressure on yourself about anything. The little things don’t matter nearly as much as you think they do. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Supportive and understanding teachers. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I would take every sea shell I’ve collected over the course of my life. They each hold a special memory.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Anything relating to the soccer team. Specifically the time when we almost won the state championship like every year. I still heavily enjoyed every aspect of it. Who was your best teacher ever? My favorite teacher was probably Mr. Emery because he is just such a nice and genuine guy. He always was able to hold good conversations with any of my classmates and he’s a cool person. What advice would you give to your freshman self? To try just a little bit harder and just always pay attention in class. I also want to tell myself about NFTs and Bitcoin so I can get money. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Money and my homies. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I would definitely like to bring my friends because I want to stay close with them the rest of my life. Also, my boat.

Bella Cooper

Bev Espinosa

Sydney Guns

What are your future plans? What are your future plans? Attend UNC Chapel Hill and attend I will be attending UNC Chapel Hill to study business and possibly their law school after undergrad! minor in French! After I graduate What is your favorite memory college, I want to have a job that allows me to travel around the world. from high school? To see how we all come together as a family What is your favorite memory in times of need. We all supported from high school? Freshman year one another despite the differences math class. I really liked the people because the Class of 2022 really did go through a lot, but we went in the class and it was always a through it together. funny period. Another favorite memory would just be participating Who was your best teacher in sports during high school. ever? Ms. Sam, because she and her students were so fun to hang Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. Richards: He is very smart out with. I love all my friends I met and I can tell he is passionate about during those three years of high school. teaching. He also coaches for the high school and is extra involved. What advice would you give to What advice would you give to your freshman self? Enjoy every moment, be happy, and focus on your freshman self? Don’t put as yourself. Be mindful of all the peomuch pressure on yourself. Enjoy ple you surround yourself with! the time with your friends and family because you will be leaving One thing I couldn’t do high for college before you know it. school without is... My family and their support through these four One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Sports and my years. friend group. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and Something I would take with keep forever is... A purple ribbon me from the Outer Banks and in remembrance of my girl Bri and keep forever is... The small-town how, at a young age, I saw how one mentality. I like going into a store and seeing my friends working and big community can care and love for someone the way they did her. knowing people wherever I go. I I never felt alone even after losing also wish I could always be this my best friend. close to the beach.

What are your future plans? Attend Elon University and study music education. What is your favorite memory from high school? Hanging out in the band room with all my friends. Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. Lamberg was the best teacher ever. He gave me opportunities I’ve never had before and allowed me to grow musically and as an individual. Because of him, I got to teach middle school band and find my love for teaching. I am so thankful for the opportunities he gave to me. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t let anyone tell you that you can not do something. Keep pursuing your passions and do not worry about them. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My friends. They have been there for me every day and I get to spend a lot of time with them in the Fine Arts department, which is amazing. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I would like to take the sense of community with me. Everyone knows everyone down here and the support we get from each other amazes me every day.

Junior marshals get a taste of next year by helping out at graduation

By Stella Bryson News Editor

n high schools across America, the top students of the junior class are considered for the honor of a junior marshal. Junior marshals – also called academic marshals – are made up of the top 10 students in the junior class based on GPA. These academic marshals are excellent students who have taken rigorous classes and maintained good grades throughout all three years of high school. Academic marshals are given the privilege of attending graduation as honorary students, but they have another purpose for being at the ceremony. “We have responsibilities at graduation that include greeting, helping the seniors and helping lead people where

they should go,” junior marshal Mary Kathryn Stroud said. The individual duties of the junior marshals are decided in a few ways. Some of the marshals will have different duties depending on whether they are also needed in chorus or band, while other jobs are assigned to marshals according to their class rank. The jobs are assigned by Principal Chuck Lansing. “At graduation, some of the academic marshals will be up on stage with the flags, and some will pass out programs,” guidance secretary Debbie Mitchell said. Assisting with graduation isn’t the only task given to the junior marshals. They also attend other senior events, such as scholarship night, when members of the senior class and their parents gather and the winners of local

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

scholarships are announced. Marshals are also expected to attend both graduation practices in addition to the official ceremony on June 10. Many of the marshals are looking forward to their duties and are enthusiastic to be given the opportunity. “I am excited to fulfill my duties at graduation and be able to help where I can,” Stroud said. “I have never been to graduation before, and it’ll be nice to support all of the seniors I know.” Added junior marshal Mackenzie Edwards: “It’s very exciting because it’s such a privilege.” Not only is it a privilege, but it also provides much appreciated help. “The past couple of years, when we have been outside (for graduation), I’ve had the academic marshals help me with diplomas and signs,” Mitchell said.

With more than 200 students in the senior class, it is very helpful to have the marshals there to keep everything organized. “Bottom line: the marshals and I are there to help the seniors. That’s our main responsibility,” Mitchell said. In addition to Stroud and Edwards, the other junior marshals who get a little taste of what next year will hold for them are Charlotte Ernst, Delaney Hanf, Gavin Leano, Christian Quezada Munoz, Dylan Rich, Sam Smith, Rylee Young and Christopher Young-Stone. “It’s a really big honor,” Edwards said. “I’m most excited about going to see the graduation ceremony and getting a preview of what it’s going to be like for us next year.” Junior Stella Bryson can be reached at 23brysonst69@daretolearn.org.

Abby Hines

Versailles Dalessio

Damien Gregory

What are your future plans? I plan to attend college in the fall, majoring in criminology. My goal is to be a forensic psychologist.

What are your future plans? I am going to study psychology and minor in alcohol and drug studies so that I can become an addiction psychiatrist and open my very own practice one day. I want to reach people who are struggling with substance abuse and help treat mental health disorders that accompany it.

What are your future plans? Study aerospace engineering at the United States Air Force Academy, then become a pilot. I also hope to pursue graduate school one day.

What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memory was when students were leaving rubber ducks and little plastic babies around the school. I still have the ones I found in my car. Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. May: She always motivated me to try my hardest, and truly cares and supports her students. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for Mrs. May. She helped me and many other students when it came time to apply to college, scholarships, etc. Mrs. May was dedicated to helping me and others make plans for the future. I cannot thank her enough for all her help. What advice would you give to your freshman self? I should have transferred to Manteo... One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Having a free ﬁrst period. It is always nice to be able to sleep in. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I would keep the small-town mentality/feeling that comes with living here. There’s something comforting about being able to go out and you know you’ll see someone you know. Everyone has known each other for years, so we’ve all gotten to know each other pretty well. Our community is always looking out for each other and supporting those in need. It’s something truly special to experience.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Junior prom at the monument. Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. May, because she has such a pure heart and only wants the best for her students. She continually pushes me to do my best and has always been willing to go the extra mile for anyone who needs it; she is so good with exercising patience and sympathizing with her students. What advice would you give to your freshman self? DO NOT GET BEHIND! It’s so worth it in the long run to get your work done ﬁrst and have leisure time later. If you avoid procrastinating, you’ll save yourself from so much unneeded stress, which will make your life 100 times easier. Aside from this, be involved as much as you can and make connections everywhere you can. Try new things, take up new hobbies, play new sports, join more extracurriculars, make new friends and build that resume in the meantime!

KILL DEVIL HILLS

A few copies remain for sale at the front office. Stop in this summer. Books are just $50!

School: First Flight High School Base Material: PERMOCOTE ( PERMOCOTE ) Litho Colors: 4/C Process

JOB# 17973-000 Grain: Brush 16 Emboss: None Deboss None Metallay: None

Die Cut None Laser Cut None Etching None Foil: HJ 1F Silver ,HJ 3F Blue UV Coating: None

17973-000 Date: Jan 14 2022 Artist: JZS Plant: KC

Special Instructions: HJ 1F Silver on “GOOD” and “2” on front lid. HJ 3F Blue on “2” and “FORGET” on front lid. Brush Grain around all elements. Follow schools art for color placement.

SHORELINES 2022

FIRST FLIGHT HIGH SCHOOL

The 2022 Shorelines Yearbook will be a treasured keepsake!

VOLUME

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t wait: Start going to the gym.

Georgia Fuentes

What are your future plans? I What are your future plans? plan to attend UNCW and hopefully My future plans are to go to COA find a major and/or career I find and transfer into another school. interesting and exiting. I also plan to be a volunteer or intern with the What is your favorite memoNew Hanover Fire Department. ry from high school? Definitely prom. It was such an amazing What is your favorite memexperience. It was funny trying to ory from high school? Driving a roller skate for the first time while Humvee to prom was super fun. holding onto the chair on the wall; After the altered school because of meanwhile, other people were skatCovid and online mayhem we had ing backwards. I made a lot of good endured, it was refreshing to have memories that I will cherish. a night where I could hang out and spend time with my friends, espeWho was your best teacher cially when a Humvee is involved. ever? Ms. Deal: She is one of the sweetest people I know. I got to Who was your best teacher know her very well because she was ever? My third-grade teacher, Mrs. also one of the directors for the Childress, hands down. She had shows that I did and she always did a larger impact on me then any an amazing job. She has the biggest teacher I’ve had before or after her heart. She is one of those English class. I can confidently say that my teachers you will never forget. academic achievements up until this point would not have been What advice would you give possible without her. to your freshman self? I would tell my freshman self not to worry What advice would you give as much about what other people to your freshman self? Slow think of you. Everyone is focused down, look around and take in on themselves. Just don’t worry as the memories happening around much about everything because you. High school goes by pretty it would all work out and you are fast (especially when a pandemic more than strong enough. is involved) and you don’t want to miss the little important moments. One thing I couldn’t do high Also, sophomore me, whatever you school without is... My amazing do, don’t send that picture to Mr. mom. She was always there for Hanf for the Nighthawk News staff me and kept pushing me to do my introductions. best even when things got difficult. She is strong, beautiful and has a One thing I couldn’t do high very kind heart. I’m not sure what I school without is... Quizlet... for would’ve done without her. studying, of course... Something I would take with Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... A sense of family. keep forever is... You learn a lot Everyone knows everyone and it about people when you live in a feels like we are all a huge family. small town (pre-Covid OBX). It’s The community is so supportive important to get to know people for and kind. I am grateful to be raised who they are, and not just how they here and for all the great memories appear to be. I made.

Memories Matter!

HILLS

1 1/2 Spine Size

Who was your best teacher ever? Hands down, the best teacher in this high school is Mr. DeWitt. Not only did he spend hours upon hours in Google Meets with me through the almost fully online year, but he also showed me how interesting math can be. If it weren’t for him, I’m not sure if I would be going into the future I am today. That is how impactful this teacher can be, if you’re willing to put in the work and effort. Not to mention after the exam, there are some pretty fun activities. However, I’m not sure if I’m permitted to disclose them here!

One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Friends who know what they’re doing. All through high school I had a lot of friends in higher grades than me, so I knew what to expect for the most One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My friends and part. Nothing came at me that I family, who remind me to have fun wasn’t ready for. and enjoy the special moments. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and Something I would take with keep forever is... My skim board. me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... My baby brother, Although it does not have any practical applications without the just to see his bright smile every beach, it’s a good-looking board. day.

KILL DEVIL

“FORGET” on front lid. Brush Grain

What is your favorite memory from high school? All of the band trips we took, the auditions, all-district groups, and the all-state group I played with. These trips lasted one to three days, and of course a hotel room full of high schoolers is going to be fun.

Michael Pearson

SHORELINES 2022

VOLUME

1 1/2 Spine Size

School: First Flight High School Base Material: PERMOCOTE ( PERMOCOTE ) Litho Colors: 4/C Process

JOB# 17973-000 Grain: Brush 16 Emboss: None Deboss None Metallay: None

Die Cut None Laser Cut None Etching None Foil: HJ 1F Silver ,HJ 3F Blue UV Coating: None

17973-000 Date: Jan 14 2022 Artist: JZS Plant: KC

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

London Halloran

Bret Grebiner

Kayla Hallac

Dani Alfaro Gonzalez

What are your future plans? What are your future plans? My future plans are to attend I want to one day open a business Honors Carolina at UNC Chapel Hill and minister at a church. with a major in public health and a minor in journalism. I plan to evenWhat is your favorite memtually have a career in medicine. ory from high school? There What is your favorite memory What is your favorite memwere multiple, but a memory from from high school? I have a lot of What is your favorite memory freshman year that always makes decent memories from high school, ory from high school? When my family took a trip to Florida and I from high school? My favorite me laugh is when Mrs. Mechak was but one that has really stuck is my mad at our class for playing around freshman year, one of my old teach- was listening to a lecture from one memory is going to Washington, of my classes in the sun out on our D.C., for a journalism trip as a and she was counting down for ers always called me by my mom’s porch, just chilling and spending sophomore with my fellow newspa- us to get quiet and she started off name and sometimes still does time with family. per editors. We got to explore the with the number three and I said when I remind them a lot. city and attend really interesting “two” and my friend Colin Sullivan Who was your best teacher classes. jumped up all extra and said “ONE, Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. May, because she was HAPPY NEW YEAR!” and she was ever? I never really had a favorite always super supportive and is Who was your best teacher trying to stay serious but couldn’t teacher because all my teachers overall a very kind person. She both ever? My best teacher ever was Mr. help but laugh. were very good at teaching and helped in class and with writing me Hanf. He goes above and beyond helped me out a lot, but if I had to to make his students feel at home Who was your best teacher pick one I would choose Ms. Clagett recommendations for both college and scholarships. in room B-214 and he helped me ever? I have so many: Mr. Godwin, because she always looked at the make an impact on the Outer Banks Mrs. Penn, Mrs. Gale, Mr. Bowman, brighter picture of things and she What advice would you give community. Mrs. Mascio and Mrs. Carey because was very enjoyable to be around. they were all a friend, not just a She even continued to help me this to your freshman self? To get out of my comfort zone and spend What advice would you give teacher. year even after I was no longer in more time enjoying the moment to your freshman self? Take her class. than worrying about the future every opportunity with a positive What advice would you give to and what’s to come. Spend more attitude. There will be lots of exyour freshman self? Be yourself, What advice would you give time enjoying being a kid because periences that come your way and be humble, always greet everyone, to your freshman self? Definitely becoming an adult comes fast and it’s important to make the best out spread kindness expecting nothing stay on top of your work because doesn’t leave much time for you to of each and every one because high in return and don’t worry about sports and school are what come enjoy it. school flies by. other people’s opinions. You have first. no idea how far that small act of One thing I couldn’t do high One thing I couldn’t do high kindness will get and the power it One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... The amazing school without is... Swim team carries. school without is... 100% taking people I met, from the teachers pasta parties and newspaper deadnotes in almost every class I took. and friends I have to my amazing line pizza parties. One thing I couldn’t do high Taking notes saved me on a lot of counselor, Mrs. Wheless, who was school without is... Those friends assignments and tests. constantly helping me and super Something I would take with who make the day go by fast. supportive. me from the Outer Banks and Something I would take with keep forever is... I would take Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and Something I would take with Jack Brown’s burgers, Outer Banks me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... A beach sign, me from the Outer Banks and Dance Academy, and my sister, keep forever is... The views! because the Outer Banks is my home and I would want a reminder keep forever is... The connections Alexa. I’ve made with the amazing people of the place I grew up on with me that I’ve met while living here. wherever my next home is to be. What are your future plans? I plan to pursue a major in marine sciences and continue with cheerleading.

What are your future plans? To go to college at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and one day work at one of the top space agencies like SpaceX and NASA.

Bella Mann

What are your future plans? To play volleyball in college and go to med school! What is your favorite memory from high school? Sophomore year taking AP Bio and meeting some of my best friends for life. I have so many great memories with them that I will cherish forever. Who was your best teacher ever? Ms. Gard: Not only was she an amazing teacher but she was always there for you if you had a bad day. I feel like I could tell Ms. Gard anything. I love her with my whole heart. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Chem actually doesn’t suck and you do really well. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My volleyball team. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Well, if I could… My best friend, Hadley, because the thought of us separating at college is so sad.

It’s Never Too Late for a

New Beginning

Christie McEwan

MS, M.Ed, LCAS, ICCDP, ICAADC, CCTP

Counseling Services OuterBanksCounselor.com • 252-564-2804 NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

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Maggie Sherman

What are your future plans? I plan to attend NC State and major in elementary education to work toward becoming a teacher! What is your favorite memory from high school? I interned at a preschool my senior year and got to experience what it is like being a teacher, which was kinda cool.

Shanty Munguia

What are your future plans? I plan to take some time off and just work. Eventually I would like to start the van life and travel all around the United States and maybe travel outside the U.S. What is your favorite memory from high school? Freshman year math class.

Who was your best teacher ever? My ﬁfth-grade teacher, Ms. Whitehurst. She was one of the best and made everything fun!

Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. Waters. He made everyone feel welcome and he always made class fun.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Don’t worry too much and just enjoy it!

What advice would you give to your freshman self? I know it’s hard but try your best and don’t ever give up even if life gets rough.

One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My friends. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Always look for opportunity.

One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My friends. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The beautiful sunsets.

Cody Wiles

Jeremiah Lane

Noah Adams

What are your future plans? Live somewhere nice with a good family and a good job.

What are your future plans? I am going to pursue a career in graphic design.

What are your future plans? To attend Appalachian State University in the fall.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Coach Prince’s “I Am Somebody” speech or Good Guys vs. Cancer – those were always fun to watch.

What is your favorite memory from high school? Deﬁnitely prom and Casey making Prom King and everyone getting hyped deﬁnitely was a highlight of that night. Shout-out Casey.

What is your favorite memory from high school? I don’t know if I have the singular favorite memory, but probably just all the fun times I’ve had with my friends throughout high school.

Who was your best teacher ever? Coach Prince. He’s funny and he’s the boy.

Who was your best teacher Who was your best teacher ever? Probably Mr. Waters even ever? Mrs. Anderson: She was though there are a lot of other great always in a great mood and just a What advice would you give to teachers. happy person in general. your freshman self? These next What advice would you give to four years are going to go by quick. What advice would you give to Enjoy every sports game, and make your freshman self? I would warn your freshman self? Don’t stress it. memories with your friends. bro about Covid. One thing I couldn’t do high One thing I couldn’t do high One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My friends. school without is... My friends. school without is... Computer. Something I would take with Something I would take with Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and me from the Outer Banks and me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Probably the keep forever is... The memories keep forever is... The warm weath- beach. of friends and family and growing er and that feeling you get during up here. summer.

Kiley Tucker

Lacrosse-themed movie posters get fans to games Senior Jackson Kelly combined his love of lacrosse and graphic design to make hero-themed posters promoting the Nighthawks during their run to the state championship game this spring. Nighthawk News caught up with him to ask about the experience: Q: Why did you start making the movie posters? A: “I started making them because I felt our team was kind of neglected. We didn’t have any funding, attendance at home games was low and unlike football and basketball there wasn’t much real advertisement for our games. I also slightly selﬁshly wanted a crowd for my senior season.” Q: How did you go about making them? A: “I mostly used Photoshop and pulled the heads of my teammates from Mark Buckler’s photos of our past games.” Q: Which movie poster was your favorite?

What are your future plans? I’m going to study psychology at UNCW. What is your favorite memory from high school? Freshman year art class because it was always a fun time. A: “I’d have to say the second one was my favorite. I used the ﬁrst ‘Avengers’ movie poster as the base for that one.”

Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. May, because she taught me a lot this year about college and life.

Q: What other ideas did you have in mind that you didn’t decide to use? A: “I had a few more ideas in store. I was considering doing ‘The Wiggles’ for one as a joke more than anything. It’s surprisingly hard to ﬁnd movie posters that are easy to work with and have enough heads I can change into players.” – Reporting by Joey Krieg

What advice would you give to your freshman self? Enjoy your time in high school. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... A chromebook charger. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I would take the memories I’ve made and most of my experiences.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Noah Kinnisten

Nick Beauchemin

What are your future plans? What are your future plans? I I’m attending Elon University, then am going to COA for two years for I guess we’ll see what happens from information technology. there. What is your favorite memory What is your favorite memory from high school? My class that is from high school? Probably when my career choice and being able to I found out I got a 2 on my AP have the process. Physics exam and not a 1. Who was your best teacher Who was your best teacher ever? Mr. Godwin, because he’s ever? Mr. DeWitt, because I’ve had very enthusiastic to teach. He’s that man for three years and he still a very funny person and makes somehow hasn’t gotten me to hate teaching fun! math. What advice would you give What advice would you give to your freshman self? I would to your freshman self? Don’t sign say to take your time and don’t up for Calculus for your junior year. rush anything. Also to live in the It’ll do much more harm than help. moment and don’t take anything for granted. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My bed and a One thing I couldn’t do high speaker after the day is over. school without is... My job and industry I wanna work in. Something I would take with Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... Mama Kwans’ fish me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I would take tacos, literally no question. One of sand because it represents where I my biggest qualms with leaving for live being on the beach and warm college is the severe lack of fish tacos I will get the chance to consume. weather.

Liz Clagett

What are your future plans? Playing lacrosse at Lynn University, then traveling to different countries in search of something I am really passionate about and it hopefully becoming a supportive job. What is your favorite memory from high school? Lunch freshman year because everyone was more social and knew how to interact with one another. After Covid, I feel the social-ness of school was ruined. Who was your best teacher ever? Mrs. Jenna Saunders. What advice would you give to your freshman self? No one is thinking about it as much as you are and no one really cares what you do or don’t do. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Sports. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... My mom.

Mya Salch

Mia Albright

What are your future plans? What are your future plans? I Going to ECU and becoming a nurse plan to attend NC State University practitioner. and study animal science. Post-graduation, I hope to attend vet school. What is your favorite memory from high school? Spending time What is your favorite memory with all the friends in each class. from high school? My favorite high school memory is all three Who was your best teachseasons of soccer I got to play. er ever? Mrs. Kovacs, because she helped me learn more about Who was your best teacher healthcare and made me be even ever? Mr. Richards: He is a really more excited about my future as a good teacher and is always willing nurse. to help you. What advice would you give to your freshman self? Try not to procrastinate so much. It will make your life easier if you learn this sooner. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... My calendar; otherwise I would have a million missing assignments. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... The beautiful scenic memories.

What advice would you give to your freshman self? It goes by faster than you think, enjoy every moment. One thing I couldn’t do high school without is... Quizlet. Something I would take with me from the Outer Banks and keep forever is... I will keep and cherish all the memories I’ve made here with my friends and family.

Annual senior debate: Should I stay or should I go?

By Emma Braithwaite Features Editor

tay in state or go out of state? This is an age-old question that high school seniors ask themselves year after year. Tuition costs, comfort level when it comes to distance from home and desired environment are all factors that seniors consider when deciding whether or not to stay in the state or venture far away from home. Out-ofstate colleges offer a vast change of scenery for many students, though tuition costs can be high. On the other hand, in-state colleges usually have lower tuition and allow students to stay closer to home. “I am going to NC State. I chose to go to college in state so that I can stay close to home and be able to come back home and go to the beach,” senior Maggie Sherman said. “I think it would be cool to go somewhere really far away like California or Colorado, but it’s really expensive and I would rather stay close to home.” Senior Scott Kresicki is going to

attend Western Carolina University. Although he will be staying in state, he looks forward to a change of scenery that traveling more than eight hours from the beach brings. “I like the mountains up in North Carolina. By Western, there’s a lot of lakes and so it’s good fishing out there,” Kresicki said. While many students are going to colleges in state, there are several others who are taking another path and venturing further away. Senior Fiona McKenna is planning on attending the University of Colorado at Boulder. She wants to go out of state to experience new environments. “From a very young age, I always knew when I left this place it would be somewhere as far away as possible,” McKenna said. “Although I love the beach and I’m extremely grateful to have grown up on the Outer Banks, there’s too many unique and more diverse places on this planet that I need to experience – the mountains being one of them.” Another reason students choose to go out of state is because of the inde-

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

pendence that goes along with being thousands of miles away from home. “Living on my own, I think I will definitely be scared at first being without my parents, but I will adapt and I believe I will have a lot of fun,” said senior Key Lige, who will be attending Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. “I want to go to a college out of state because I’d like to meet new people as well. If you have the opportunity to go somewhere else, take it, because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.” Many students attending out-ofstate schools will require a flight and a full day of travel to come and go, but that is not the case for everyone. Senior Tucker Crook, for example, is going out of state while still staying relatively close to home. He’ll only be about seven hours away at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. “I wanted to go somewhere that was far enough from the Outer Banks, but still be able to come home without too much trouble,” Crook said. “I’m most excited about hopefully having nicer weather in the winters and finding more stuff to do in the local area.”

While being close to home and near familiar faces is ideal for many students, others are looking for a fresh start. “I’ve never had any interest in going to college in state,” McKenna said. “I noticed in the past First Flight seniors who went to school in state, end up rooming with their best friend from high school and party with the same people they grew up with, which don’t get me wrong, sounds really fun, but I’m looking for more of a fresh start,” McKenna said. Whether seniors choose to spend their next four years in state or out of state, both options have positives and negatives that will influence their decisions as their high school career comes to a close and college life begins. “It’s hard to think about all the amazing people and unforgettable memories I’ll be leaving behind in high school, but I’ve been dreaming of getting out of here since day one, and I can’t wait,” McKenna said. Junior Emma Braithwaite can be reached at 23braithwaiteem06@daretolearn.org.

Gliding forward from the miracle of Love

By Kayla Hallac Editor-in-Chief

oller skates gliding forward on the pavement. Gliding forward into a world full of progress that many feared might never

come. Whispers, cries and voices near and far have echoed the phrase “Love is Strong” over the past year and a half following the unexpected car accident and uncertainty involving First Flight senior Tatum Love. Turns out Love IS strong, and back to thriving on the Outer Banks, with an overwhelming sense of appreciation for the beach community. Much like the roller blades of fellow senior Warner Campbell, who had the honor of leading Love’s procession home, she is gliding forward in all aspects of her life. “The roller blades were brought up as a joke at first when we first started talking about how we were going to welcome Tatum back home,” Campbell said. “Everyone lined up on the road became the plan, and they wanted someone to lead, so the roller blades idea just kind of stuck.” It was a fitting symbol – Love’s recovery was on a roll after the accident and continues to progress today, launching forward from that inspirational moment. “The first day I came home the first person I saw was Warner because he had roller skates,” Love said. “It was a big high being able to see everyone, being able to come back to the Outer Banks. That was phenomenal. Having multiple people know who I am without me even knowing them, it’s just super cool.” You can’t blame the tight-knit OBX community for following the story and praying for Love and cheering her on. The fact that she’s been able to recover and push her limits to rebuild her life is nothing short of a miracle. “I hate to say this, but it’s surprising that I’m alive. It makes me very happy around everyone around me that took care of me,” Love said, adding that this long journey even comes with an inspirational quote from Bob Marley: “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have,” he once said. Love’s comeback story began on Jan. 26, 2021. Two vehicles collided on South Croatan Highway. Love, untethered, was thrown from the vehicle and critically injured. She received several brain injuries as well as months of care far away from the Outer Banks. Love does not remember the accident itself, but the experience is a clear memory for her friends and family. “When you come as close to losing a child as we did with Tatum you have already gone through all of the worstcase scenarios and desperate negotiations with the universe,” said Tatum’s dad, Billy Love. “This legitimate second

chance we were given makes everything that much more important and special. Love and family are not something we feel or say anymore. It’s how we live our lives.” Senior Peyton McCleary was in the vehicle and was not injured in the accident. But she witnessed the events that unfolded that night involving Tatum, a vision that will live forever in her mind. “I distinctly remember the silence of it all. We had no idea what to do or expect next, so we just waited,” McCleary said. This experience, one that has shaped the trajectory of her life path, has shown her the true importance of wearing a seatbelt. Tatum said her accident will live with her forever, namely in always telling anyone to put on a seatbelt when in a vehicle. “Honestly, when I get in my car, even before I turn on my car, I put on a seatbelt. Like, it’s not that hard. You just put it on,” Tatum said. “Then you can plug in your music, play some tunes. And then you can drive and you’re perfectly fine. If you get into an accident, you aren’t gonna flip over as I did.” Despite the terrible accident itself, the progress Tatum has made is incredible. It’s something she recognizes in several aspects of her life. “I remember my first moment of understanding words again. Not reading, but understanding. I was saying ‘I love you’ to my mom and dad,” Tatum said. “I’ve been a lot better at reading and remembering. Reading was the main issue for me. I obviously do take a really long time, like longer than casual reading, but I’m trying and I’m getting better.” Whether parents, friends, teachers, or peers, everyone has noticed Tatum’s progress this school year after returning. While her parents claim every aspect of her life is different, her attitude has impressed many. “Tatum’s ability to stay positive, truly love with all her heart, and honestly see the good in everything and everyone is absolutely life affirming,” Billy said. “I’m not sure even the people who know Tatum well really get how much truly hard work she has put in to get to where she is or where she wants to go and eventually accomplish.” Added McCleary: “It’s been incredible to witness her growth. She had to start with learning our names and faces again, which (as her friends) was hard to see her struggle with, but she got it in no time. The amazing thing about Tatum is she hasn’t lost her spirit, she wants to keep learning and growing, she wants to see that improvement, she just doesn’t quit.” Tatum returned to school for all of her senior year and will graduate on time. She is a competitive member of the swim team, was inducted into the National Honor Society, a member of the student government, a staff writer

Submitted Photos

Senior Tatum Love poses for a graduation picture on the beach at sunset and enjoys a vacation to the Florida Keys with her family (below). Just 18 months removed from a devastating car crash, Love will walk across the stage with the rest of the Class of 2022.

for the newspaper, a manager for the lacrosse team, and is once again driving on her own. Her parents were told very early on that these things may never exist in her life again, considering a little over a year ago Tatum could not breathe or eat on her own, was unable to respond when prompted on any level and couldn’t speak. “It is absolutely necessary here that we once again thank all of the people, friends, professionals, teachers and coaches, etc., who gave so much of their own time to help Tatum and her recovery,” Billy said. “None of this would be possible without the community of people who came together to help each other get through this. We are truly blessed.” Tatum plans to take classes through the College of The Albemarle this summer and fall, hoping to attend a four-

year university next spring. She hopes to create a career in the music industry because of her love of concerts. Beyond all of this, she’s gliding forward like roller skates – no matter the bumps in the road. “My last name is Love. And strong means I’m getting into it. I’m trying as hard as I can – Love is strong,” Tatum explains. Tatum’s mom, Lorrie, agrees: “Love is all there is. More light and goodness has come out of the single worst event of our lives than darkness and pain, and that is a legitimate miracle. I’ve often said that if we could somehow get everyone to treat each other the way people have treated us since Tatum’s accident, we could solve the world’s problems overnight. It really is that simple. Love is the answer to all of it.” Senior Kayla Hallac can be reached at 22hallacka85@daretolearn.org.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Memories through senior year: Reminisce with the Class of ’22 Photos by Taylor Newton/ Nighthawk News

Seniors celebrate the end of an era after an unprecedented four years of high school. From the return of musical productions and Homecoming festivities to the wild crowd at the Good Guys vs. Cancer basketball tournament, senior year has been an unforgettable ride. Class of 2022 out.

Go NightHawks!

We Proudly Support First Flight Schools

NC General Contractor’s License #62035

252-449-2600 | www.SoundSidePools.com NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

‘Oh the places they’ll go’: Class of 2022

Alabama:

University of Alabama Jada Lancsek

Georgia:

Virginia:

South Carolina:

California:

Emmanuel College Arden Carlyle

University of California Irvine Allegra Mackenzie-Reece

The Savannah College of Art and Design Joseph Hobbs Jayden Payne

Bridgewater College Cooper Hawk

College of Charleston Reagan Minnich Tucker Crook

Hampden-Sydney Cooper Daniels Greer Farr Noah Smeltzer

University of South Carolina Colin Byard MacKenzie Greenleaf Hadley Hedges

Loyola Marymount University Key Lige

Colorado:

University of Colorado Boulder Fiona McKenna United States Air Force Academy Damien Gregory

Connecticut:

United States Coast Guard Academy Nick Gardill

Florida:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Bret Grebiner Lynn University Liz Clagett Joey Krieg

Illinois:

Douglas J Aveda Institute Tina Hempfer

Louisiana:

Loyola University New Orleans Callie Honeycutt

Maryland:

Apprentice School Samuel Adams Tenzin Robisch

James Madison University Ryan Farmer Aiden Pipkin Regent University Hannah Wilson

University of Maryland Eastern Shore Porter Braddy

University of Lynchburg Neely Morris

Pennsylvania:

Virginia Wesleyan Madison Pugh Cesar Corral Mendoza

Penn State University Aaron Jurkowitz

Coker University Dominic Marino

AmeriCorps Connor Griffith Military Conlan Ambrose-Talley Tristan Bell Mckaylobe Hayes Virginia Lawton Travel/Gap Year Peyton McCleary Jadyn McPherson Nick Sanders London Setser Hannah Westphal NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / spring / / 2022

spreads wings toward new adventures

North Carolina: College of The Albemarle Dani Alfaro Kylee Allen Elizabeth Ambrose Asher Avery Myla Bancroft Nicholas Beauchemin Emma Bonamico Jake Brown Braden Buckler Connor Caleo Michael Cameron Otto Clark Devon Coughlin Bridget Cowan Beckett Crossman Ian Crumpler Tyler Daniel Benecia Deltoro Jacob Devlin Ricardo Estrada Steven Fitzgerald Georgia Fuentes Connor Gross Lane Halfin Riley Haynes Kevin Hoffman Kaleb Howard Allison Hudson Pia Jastrzemski Jacob Jernigan Dylan Jones Jackson Kelly Jeremiah Lane Tessa Langway Tatum Love Rylie McPherson Angela Meeks David Meggs Casey Piddington Kendrick Pierce Caleigh Radogna Princesa Ramirez Ortega Benjamin Sawtell Therese Schiba Liam Smith Porter Smith Israel Gabriel Soto Silva Micah Stewart Stephen Strader Shawn Taylor Wyatt Ward Graham Warner Cody Wiles Tanner Williams

Appalachian State University Noah Adams Thomas Brickhouse Pierce Chase Kaylan Davis Gabriel Fernandez Maren Ingram Jose-Daniel Mejia Ryan Reynolds Cape Fear Community College Haley Dietz Kaia Scheer Colin Sullivan Catawba Valley Community College Achilles Greer Central Piedmont Community College Brandi Kusina Elizabeth City State University Riley Froehlich Gage Tomlin East Carolina University Scott Addison Tyler Anderson McKenzie Baker Kayla Brown Versailles Dalessio Rhea Doyle Ethan Duck Kelsey Dudash Blake Francis Benicio Garcia Agresto Jeffrey Haber Emma Halloran Scarlett Lowe Mya Salch Riley Shealey Ross Sullivan Elon University Virginia Godley Sydney Guns Noah Kinnisten Joey Krucke High Point University Eliana Yafet Johnston & Wales - Charlotte Campus Dylan Evans Lees-McRae College Abigale Hines Meredith College Madi Norris

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / senior salute

UNC Pembroke Manuel Perez Montreat College: Milosz Gargol North Carolina State University Mia Albright Rachael Beasley Dylan Byard Chloe Clark Audrey Colopy Fiona Finchem Evan Foster Susie Hala London Halloran Kate Hamilton Ryan McGee Spencer Packard Wes Rhodes Ella Samson Maggie Sherman Grace Woerner Pfeiffer University Jordyn Scarborough Salem College Bella Mann UNC Chapel Hill Isabella Cooper Beverly Espinosa Kayla Hallac Lauren Hughes Yuwon Kim Zoe Lucas Maggie McNinch Emma Richards Ben Tonnesen Dennis Wang Loxley Wayland Emily Yurasek UNC Charlotte Warner Campbell Cole Eldridge Hannah Montgomery James Rollason UNC Greensboro Mason Gates Brodie Nash Skylar Shifflett

UNC Wilmington Seth Beacham Emily Byrum Zack Flora Brylie King Nigel Kyger Michael Pearson Cason Smith Kiley Tucker Wake Tech Community College Aubrey Holland Kaitlin McCarter Anthony Olszewski Heather Winfree Western Carolina University Scott Kresicki Workforce Mark Adams Eliana Altamirano Katerin Benites Perdomo Caleb Cooley Jaylen Copeland Rocky Davis Alex Doloriert Joseph Dowd Hunter Emminizer Genevieve Estes Ryley Gordon McKenna Griffith Henry Larson Lily Lawlor Ty Lawrenson Adrian Mariluz Alexis Martello Tyde Mezzacca Austin Mills Caiden Moldovan Shantal Munguia-Flores Cam Murphy Aiden Phillips Samantha Pugh Destiny Ricketts Gabriel Rodriguez Andrew Sawyer Aiden Stone Austin Stubblefield Derek Todd Gavin Wassler

Graphic by Emma Braithwaite and Allie Nigro, Features Editors and Olivia Sugg, Online Editor-in-Chief Information self-reported to Counseling Center

Senior shenanigans: Does the risk outweigh the reward?

ne thousand, four hundred and sixty days. That’s four years. Of friendships, turmoil, “studying” and consistent thoughts of “how much longer?” and then before you know it, the day is upon you. Your future dreams and aspirations all within your grasp – all overshadowed by one night in May that could change your life forever. Senior pranks are a long-held tradition at most American high schools, including First Flight. Yet it seems that every year at least one prank goes too far, resulting in tarnished reputations, and the punishments that can even include removal of privileges such as walking at graduation. Though many pranks are simple and harmless, it only takes one that goes too far to ruin the tradition for everyone involved. Take, for example, an incident that occurred at Splendora High School in Texas, where a seemingly light-hearted prank turned to mayhem in a matter of minutes. Class of 2016 seniors at the school began by throwing streamers and balloons while running throughout the halls. However, a ﬁre alarm was activated before the students ﬁn-

“

It’s a part of senior culture. It’s this looming anticipation of what it will be, and this hope that it’s not something that goes over the line.”

“

By Michael Pearson Multimedia Editor

– Chuck Lansing

ished. While most students followed the normal protocol and evacuated the building, some remained inside, taking the opportunity to grease the indoor stairwells, set off fire extinguishers and vandalize the principal’s office. Although the damage was done by a small number of students, all seniors involved in the events before and after the fire alarm was activated were suspended and barred from walking at their graduation. Unfortunately, similar instances – where multiple students are repri-

manded for pranks they did not intend or commit – are all too common, and have even been witnessed at First Flight in the past. “The original prank was to cover the front doors of the school with teachers’ faces and sticky notes,” First Flight Class of 2021 alumna Cassie Honeycutt said. Honeycutt, along with several other students, intended for a fun, light-hearted prank for the last day of school to be enjoyed by students and staff. Another group had different intentions. “Another group of students came to the school and took the papers from our prank,” Honeycutt said. “I believe they used an adhesive glue spray and glued some of the pictures around the windows of the school.” Although the “prank” was not committed by Honeycutt, she and other students were given in-school suspension during the last day of school and made to clean the windows until late in the afternoon, when the true perpetrators were discovered. An incident like this one represents the unfortunate nature of senior pranks, where the good intentions of one may be altered or overshadowed by the extreme intentions of another. “It’s a part of senior culture,” Prin-

cipal Chuck Lansing said. “It’s this looming anticipation of what it will be, and this hope that it’s not something that goes over the line.” Lansing made it clear that the last thing he and other administrators want to do is punish students right before they leave high school; however, they will continue to put school safety and security above all. “There is typically a heightened presence of police,” Lansing said. “That’s something that previous administration had requested from the sheriff.” Though present, law enforcement is not instructed to intervene with students’ activities unless vandalism or other unlawful actions begin to take place. They are simply “keeping an eye on campus.” Regardless of who they are, or what they do, it’s safe to assume that no senior wants to be punished heavily just before gaining their freedom, especially not for a minuscule prank. “The senior prank I committed with my friends was not meant to have any harm whatsoever,” Honeycutt said. “It was only to be a laugh for people walking into school on the last day.” Senior Michael Pearson can be reached at 22pearsonmi74@daretolearn. org.

www.southernbank.com 26

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Free tuition, new campus drawing more students to COA By Olivia Sugg Online Editor-In-Chief

he average tuition of a public community college is $4,989, but what if you could go completely for free? Thanks to the College of The Albemarle’s Dare Guarantee, high school students in Dare County can. “The Dare Guarantee is a great scholarship option for any student that graduates from a Dare County public, private or homeschool,” said John Hunting, the COA Liaison for Dare County Schools. “It allows them to gain their associate degree 100% for free.” The COA Dare Guarantee first started in January of 2020 and has given Dare County graduates an unprecedented opportunity made possible by a $250,000 grant from the Dare County Board of Commissioners each year. “To qualify for the scholarship, there’s only three things that they have to have checked off: Did you graduate from a Dare County public, private or homeschool? Are you a resident of Dare County? And are you a US citizen?” Hunting said. “If you can answer yes to those three questions, you are eligible and will receive the scholarship.” While the Dare Guarantee scholarship seems relatively straightforward, it is more complicated than some believe. It is a secondary scholarship, and to apply, a student first fills out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), applies for COA Foundation scholarships,

Submitted Photo

College of The Albemarle’s new Dare County Campus in Manteo will welcome students to classes for the summer and fall semesters. The Dare Guarantee provides students with the opportunity to attend COA for free.

and then applies for the Dare Guarantee. The Dare Guarantee covers the balance left over when a student’s financial aid and COA Foundation scholarships are calculated, meaning that the amount each student receives for the Dare Guarantee is different – but each student has a zero dollar balance. “What’s really cool about the scholarship is that it’s not a need-based scholarship, so everybody qualifies,” Hunting said. “So if you don’t qualify for FAFSA, or maybe you aren’t awarded a COA scholarship, it’s fine: The Dare Guarantee is going to pick up the entire bill.” The zero dollar balance is available to anyone, whether they are working on their associate degree or participating in career and technical (trade) programs, making it a great option for any Dare County student. It’s an especially attractive

option for anyone who is graduating and is still undecided on their major. “For students who have undecided majors, it is a positive thing to do two years (at COA) because you get to mature for two years and figure out what you want to do while saving money,” FFHS counselor Lisa Wheless said. “When you’re done, and you’ve got your two years of maturity under your belt, you can go straight into classes for your major, so you’re completely done with your gen ed classes.” Senior Pia Jastrzemski is one student taking advantage of the Dare Guarantee for this exact reason. She plans to apply to a four-year university after obtaining her associate degree from COA. “I am choosing to go to COA next year because it’s such a great option and I do not know what I want to do in the future,” Jastrzemski said.

“So doing an associate degree will just get some classes out of the way while I decide where I want to go and what I want to do in the future.” Free COA is also an option for those planning to take a year off after graduating high school early. “It’s a good idea for students who are taking a year off or graduating early. Don’t give yourself the freedom of doing nothing, go ahead and take a free COA class or two just so it’s fresh in your mind,” Wheless said. “Because in today’s world, you have to go back to school. You have to get your degree in something or you have to get certified in something.” The number of students who attend a two-year college straight out of high school has been increasing, with 22% of First Flight High School’s 2019 graduates attending a two-year college and 31% attending a two-year college

in 2020. These numbers are expected to rise even more with the opportunity of the Dare Guarantee and the effect that COVID-19 has had on four-year universities and the economy. COA’s new, $18.5 million Dare County campus in Manteo that just opened in April is another one of the many reasons why going to COA is such a great option for any Dare County graduate. “I’m very excited about it,” Hunting said. “It’s a stateof-the-art building. It has all sorts of different student services within it now. Not only that, our campus is now one location. Before, the one building was down the street, so it gets to unify our student body and get them the chance to be with one another.” A few classes will meet in the new building on Highway 64 this summer before everyone taking COA classes locally starts there in August. The combination of being “one of the first” in the new building – and being there for free – has many pros for Dare County students. “You can save yourself anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000 by doing your first two years with us and then transferring somewhere else,” Hunting said. “But also, for the students that don’t want to transfer, there are so many different pathways and career options that you could do at COA that are going to lead you straight into the work field and starting your career, making money, debt-free.” Junior Olivia Sugg can be reached at 23suggol52@daretolearn.org.

Submitted Photos

The new COA campus ribbon-cutting ceremony (left) took place on April 8. A collection of local dignitaries was invited to attend the ceremony. Aspects of the new $18.5 million building include state-of-the-art classrooms with new technology and a beautiful new entryway featuring an information desk and spacious lobby with areas for students to work or socialize.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / news

And the award goes to. . .three FFHS faculty members

By Daisy Morales Social Media Editor

itting down in her office, data manager Brenda Askew was working like any other day. All of a sudden, Principal Chuck Lansing, along with the front office staff, walked through her door, congratulating her for winning Classified Employee of the Year. Surprised by the commotion, Askew immediately felt appreciated by the recognition. This was a common sentiment among two other staff members this spring: Math teacher Christina Wilson and health science teacher Jennifer Kovacs. Wilson, who was named First Flight High School’s Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 school year, felt honored to win such a special title. The announcement was made during a ceremony with teachers gathered after school in the rotunda. “I thought they weren’t announcing it until the next week so I was really surprised and very humbled,” Wilson said. Wilson’s road to being named Teacher of the Year started back when she was a senior in high school. “I decided that I really liked school and I wanted to teach. I thought I was going to be a chemistry teacher,” Wilson said. “The summer before I started college, I changed my major to math, and then I never looked back.” Wilson has taught everything from eighth-grade math to AP Calculus and currently teaches Math I and Foundations of Math I at First Flight. “I teach students who usually

Photo by Steve Hanf/Nighthawk News

Principal Chuck Lansing poses with math teacher Christina Wilson after she received the news that she was named First Flight’s Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 school year.

struggle with math or who have never felt success in it,” Wilson said. “I really love when they get to a point where they are confident and have success in mathematics and then when they can see how it can be applicable in life.” Her dedication is recognized by fellow staff members, as well. Lansing explained that Wilson serves as a mentor in the school community. “She started last year by changing how we do the year-long math with Foundations and then Math I to really focus on giving kids specific materials that help them fill in learning gaps that may have come from middle school or elementary school,” Lansing explained. In addition, Lansing admires Wilson’s student-centered approach as well as how driven she is to meet student needs. He added that this has been a characteristic found in previous Teacher of the Year recipients. “I think the previous Teachers of the Year kind of all demonstrate that; Mr. Hanf last year and Mr. DeWitt the year before,” Lansing said. “They obviously put all their (students) first and want them to explore their interests.” Lansing further explained how Wilson provides individualized support to each of her students. “Mrs. Wilson does a good job of holding kids accountable for learning math while trying to make it fun,” Lansing said. “Obviously everybody has different interests, but she tends to reach everybody and deliver math in a way that’s fun and meaningful.” Not long after Wilson received her honor, it was Kovacs’ turn. The leader of the health science program at FFHS was named Dare County Schools’ Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 school year. Kovacs started her career as a nurse, where her passion for nursing led her to teach students who are interested in the medical field. “The job itself kind of landed in my lap. It wasn’t something I was expecting to do,” Kovacs said. “Somebody told me about it and then I applied for it, didn’t get it the first time, and then applied for it again the following year, and I’ve been here ever since.” Kovacs expressed that her favorite part of teaching depends on the class, but also on the relationships she builds with students. “My favorite part of teaching from Health Science I is getting the kids to see the amazing human body, what we are capable of doing and how we operate and how we exist every single day,” Kovacs said. As a teacher who aids those going into the medical field, Kovacs works arduously to make her students be the best they can be and prepares them for their occupations. “I give everything I can to make it as best I can. Nothing’s ever perfect,” Kovacs said. “I (try) to set expectations because the careers have expectations, and so the earlier the student learns

Photos by Duke Wallin/Special to Nighthawk News

Director of Career and Technical Education Shannon Castillo (left) presents Health Sciences teacher Jennifer Kovacs with the title of Dare County Schools’ CTE Teacher of the Year. (Below) FFHS Data Manager Brenda Askew poses with flowers after being named First Flight’s Classified Employee of the Year.

that, the better the student is going to be and the further that’s going to take that student.” Lansing explained that dedication to a certain field is certainly something to be admired in teaching. “She imparts her own passion for healthcare and patient care to her students,” Lansing said. “I think that something that comes across within the first five minutes of meeting Mrs. Kovacs is how genuinely caring she is. And I think her giving that to students probably best prepares them for the challenges of working in healthcare.” Askew is another remarkable staff member who does an exceptional job in keeping everyone connected with PowerSchool. Lansing noted that her job is extremely vital, not just at FFHS but in Dare County as well. Askew is responsible for entering all student information into PowerSchool, including student absences and tardies, running grades each quarter, as well as printing out Principal’s List and Honor Roll recognitions. Her job in the main office requires lots of good communication and connections, and Askew enjoys the close environment her workplace offers.

“I like the camaraderie,” Askew said. “I feel like it’s a family here. A lot of people, they’ll try and help me to do stuff when it’s crunch time.” Lansing explained that given how hard she works, Askew is definitely worthy of such recognition. “Ms. Askew is brilliant. There’s nothing that she can’t do with PowerSchool, but (her role) extends beyond that because of how many great relationships she has in the building,” Lansing said. Wilson and Askew will be honored at an upcoming Dare County Schools Teacher of the Year reception and also complete an information packet and interview for district-wide TOY honors. Kovacs’ CTE honor puts her in competition for the statewide CTE Teacher of the Year contest sponsored by the NC Center for the Advancement of Teaching. “It was humbling, but I was also very grateful because it’s nice to know that I’m doing something, I’m making a difference, and the kids see it, the parents see it,” Kovacs said. “And now the staff and others see it, too.” Junior Daisy Morales can be reached at 23moralesda04@daretolearn.org.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Beach nourishment projects bring ‘More Beach to Love’

By Emmy Benton News Editor

temporary inconvenience for long-term benefits. This is precisely the purpose of beach nourishment. The beaches of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Avon and Buxton will all undergo replenishment of the shoreline in an effort to combat the effects of beach erosion. The projects, playfully named “More Beach to Love,” are estimated to run from May to September, with the staging of crews and equipment necessary to the replenishment processes spending a week or so at a time at different spots in each town. The projects are done at the same time to account for the large cost of bringing heavy machinery to the area to complete the projects. “Mobilization is a very big part of the cost for beach nourishment. In other words, bringing the equipment and getting it all set up,” said Dorothy Hester, the Public Information Officer for Dare County. “There are efficiencies in having multiple projects going on in a particular year.” There are two companies that will carry out the nourishment: Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. is performing the Nags Head, Buxton and Avon projects, while Weeks Marine is in charge of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills. Kill Devil Hills will be the first of the northern beaches to undergo beach nourishment, with construction scheduled to start in early June. Kitty Hawk comes next, starting in early July. The crews then move to Southern Shores to start construction in mid-August and end in Duck, beginning around mid-September. For the southern beaches, Avon will be addressed first, with construction starting in early June. Buxton is set to occur after the Avon project and then the crews will move to Nags Head in early August. The primary reason for the nourishment projects is to protect critical infrastructure on the coast, especially along Highway 12, which has seen many ocean overwash events due to storm systems that bring heavy wave action. Other purposes include increasing the recreational value of the shoreline that attracts so many visitors each year. “It’s an investment in what is the economic driver of our tourism-based economy, which is our beach and its infrastructure,” Southern Shores Mayor Elizabeth Morey said. The cost for the entirety of the projects comes to around $80 million, with the most expensive portions being those for Nags Head, Avon and Buxton. The Beach Nourishment Fund, which is paid for by 2% of the occuNIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / news

pancy tax in Dare County, supports the cost of shoreline replenishment. To supplement the fund, towns have Municipal Service District taxes that assist in paying for the projects, and may also receive grants for beach nourishment. Rachel Tackett, Public Information Officer for the Town of Kill Devil Hills, said that the beach nourishment projects in her town are partially paid for by two different grants from the federal and state governments in their efforts to replenish the shoreline. “The town was awarded two grants to help cover the cost of the project,” Tackett said. “One through FEMA, which was roughly $3.6 million, and another through the NC Department of Environmental Quality, which was roughly $1.6 million.” Beach nourishment works by having large dredges pump sand from offshore. Prior to the project starting, the sand is studied to ensure it is compatible with the sand found on the shore. Once it’s deemed suitable for the shoreline and the project begins, the “borrowed” sand goes through a series of pipelines to end up on the shoreline where it is then blended in by bulldozers to extend the existing beach. The shore will be open to beachgoers, but certain areas where active work is taking place will be closed off while construction is ongoing. Dredges, bulldozers, loaders and excavators are just some of the heavy machinery that individuals will see on the beach. “Residents and visitors will still be able to access the beach while the projects are taking place; however, a portion of the approximately 1,000-foot area that is actively under construction at any given time may be closed temporarily in order to ensure public safety,” Tackett said. There is a reason why beach nourishment takes place during the busy tourist season rather than colder months. In the summertime, the wave height is smaller and poses less of a risk to the large equipment. There are also fewer storms in the summer as opposed to the late fall and winter seasons that experience more meteorological activity. The last beach nourishment projects occurred in 2017 and were done in Buxton, Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and a small part of Southern Shores. “(The projects) are designed to last for five years, and in the financial model that the county has put together, the funding is addressed in a way that the areas that have been nourished can be renourished or replenished in five-year cycles,” Hester said. After five years, David Hallac, the Superintendent of the National Parks of Eastern North Carolina, said that around 25% of the sand that was originally pumped onto the shoreline is still protecting the beach from erosion. The erosion that happens during this time

is primarily caused by the impact of waves and currents on the seashore. “We have what’s called a high-energy surf here, meaning that we have large waves. There’s a lot of energy associated with that,” Hallac said. “Those waves, when they’re breaking, they can really stir that sand up and start to erode the beach.” Hallac said that along with protecting infrastructure, beach nourishment creates wider beaches that allow for more nesting habitats for sea turtles. There will be 24/7 monitoring of sea turtle nests during the project, and if a sea turtle chooses to nest on the beach in a construction zone, the nest will be excavated and relocated to an area outside of the project area. Shorebirds are also protected. “For Cape Hatteras National Seashore, we have a series of conditions in our permit to Dare County that make it clear that if there are nesting birds – shorebirds that are on the beach – that the project has to stay away from those nesting activities until nesting is complete,” Hallac said. While beach nourishment helps protect properties, there are concerns that it’s not such a great thing for the environment. Hallac points to the fact that wildlife is disrupted during beach nourishment and these disruptions continue after the project occurs. The sand that’s pumped from

offshore doesn’t have the same invertebrates that are found on the shore and in the intertidal zone, meaning that birds and fish don’t have the food supply they’re accustomed to. This leads to a disruption in the ecosystem that can hinder the survival of the organisms. “In terms of that invertebrate community, these little organisms that need to recover, the challenge that’s going on is these beach nourishment projects don’t last very long,” Hallac said. “So you’re hoping that all of those little critters restore themselves in an amount of time that is quick enough that the beach ecology is reestablished before the need for the next project.” Even with the concerns, county officials say that beach nourishment is successful and continually makes the Outer Banks more appealing to tourists. “We’re going to have a lot more beach to love by the time we get to shortly after Labor Day, fingers crossed, if everything goes well,” Morey said. “And I think based on what’s happened in the past with other projects, it’s proven to be a necessary infrastructure building process.” For additional information, please visit www.morebeachtolove.com. Junior Emmy Benton can be reached at 23bentonem58@daretolearn.org.

T pics of

Tools to prevent overdose deaths available in schools, community By Kayla Hallac, Maren Ingram and Maggie McNinch Editors-in-Chief “In order to use the strips, testers dissolve a small amount of substance in water, and then dip the test strip into the liquid for 15 seconds. Because the test strips are highly sensitive, a minimal amount of drug residue is sufﬁcient to obtain a result. The test strip is then set on a ﬂat surface until results appear, typically within 5 minutes. One line indicates fentanyl is present in the sample; two lines indicate a negative result.”

hese simple directions on how to test pills for the presence of fentanyl offer a contradiction to the complex issues surrounding the ongoing opioid crisis. Test strips and Naloxone – also known as Narcan, which is a nasal spray that can be used to quickly reverse an opioid overdose in an emergency situation – are part of the ﬁght against fentanyl. The extremely powerful synthetic opioid, which comes in both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical forms, is “similar to morphine but about 100 times more potent,” according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. According to the National Harm Reduction Coalition, “Overdose deaths involving fentanyl have quadrupled in recent years.” And the Outer Banks has not been spared from the opioid crisis, with a number of high-proﬁle tragedies in the news. The fentanyl test strips are available around the country. So is Narcan. Locally, Narcan is available around the community in pharmacies and the health department, and – in more recent years – Dare County Schools. Nurse Robyn Dozier, who is employed by the county Health Department but works in various Dare County Schools, explained that the rising opioid issue on the Outer Banks is what led the school district to make the decision to have Narcan available for school nurses at each Dare County school. “In August of 2016, programs were being implemented in the Dare County community to make Narcan more accessible due to the increasing opioid crisis,” Dozier said. “At this time, Dare County Schools agreed to allow the Dare County Health Department to

stock Narcan in the nursing clinics for idea of bumping into someone you the Public Health School Nurses RN to know while purchasing them can make administer in the event of an overit difficult for people to get their hands dose.” on these potentially life-saving prodThe fact that Narcan is stocked and ucts, Clark explained. ready in DCS buildings is something In the months after Ryker’s death, that is unknown to many students. In Clark has found support through vari2016, it was also a new concept for the ous Dare County community programs. rest of the state. “I’m working with the Saving Lives “Dare County Schools was one of Task Force and Dare County Health the first in North Carolina to have and Human Services people, as well as Narcan available for the School RN to law enforcement, and so far they have administer,” Dozier said. been supplying me with all the supAlong with the implementation plies that I’m giving away,” Clark said. of Narcan kits in schools, the Dare “So those are my main supporters, but County Health Department works in there’s other people in the community conjunction with many other commuthat are helping as far as setting up a nity programs to make these kits and non-profit for me so that I can contintest strips readily accessible to the ue to do it, and helping with designing general public. the logos and banners – Dare CASA “The distribution of Narcan kits being one of them and Walk Against and fentanyl testing strips is coordiAddiction being another.” nated through the Saving Lives Task Clark plans to attend three events Force, Recovery and Overdose Support of VusicFest, as well as ShredFest, to Services (ROSS), and the Health Dedistribute Narcan canisters and fentanpartment directyl testing strips. She ly,” Dozier said. has created a logo “Both are free of that students will charge and easrecognize to pick up ily obtained by in a discrete fashion. contacting ROSS One example of or the Health this is at VusicFest, Department.” where she will be This issue hits giving out bottles of close to home water in addition to for Outer Banks bags with test strips resident Carolyn and Narcan kits that Clark, who lost feature her logo. her son, Ryker, “The reason that to an accidental I’m doing what I’m Photo by Maren Ingram/Nighthawk News opioid overdose in Community efforts are underway to make doing is because most January. Through sure people know that fentanyl test strips teens aren’t addicts, her “Just in Case” and Narcan nasal sprays are available for they’re just thinking, program, she is ‘Oh, I’m going to try anyone who wants them. working on eduthis one time,’ or ‘I cating and supplying both Narcan and took this a few months ago at a party fentanyl testing strips to anyone who and felt fine,’ but what they don’t needs them. realize is that the pills are not what “What I’m doing currently is perthey think they are,” Clark said. “If this sonally – like through my own Facewas available the way that I’m trying to book – giving away fentanyl testing deliver it, I feel like it would be much strips, as well as Narcan canisters,” more effective.” Clark said. “The goal is to have them The venues will be the perfect place available in locations for teens and to host Clark’s program, especially other people to pick up in a very because of their backgrounds in drug discreet way without having to ask education. anyone a question or get permission.” “They have a wall (at ShredFest) Although pharmacies sell Narcan that’s called the Rad Zone, and they and fentanyl testing strips, obstacles name it after someone who’s passed such as the expense, the fact that away who was movin’ and shakin’ or stores sell out of them easily, and the doing cool things in the community,

The Saving Lives Task Force is a team of professionals and community members working toward the prevention of substance use disorders and the availability of effective treatment for all Dare County citizens in need of help. There are over 160 participants serving on the task force, representing groups from many agencies throughout Dare County. The services, support and education offered can be found at savinglivesobx.com. The SLTF meets at the Dare County Administrative Building in Manteo every third Tuesday of the month and invites anyone to join meetings. and they named it after Ryker this year,” Clark said. “People are encouraged to write things or bring art and things like that, so it’s pretty cool. “It has to start with education,” Clark added. “I can have a hundred thousand of these (testing strips and Narcan) but if nobody knows what fentanyl is, how it works, how it’s used, how it’s put in drugs, they’re just going to continue to take what they think is a Xanax or a molly. If the availability is there to test said product before you take it, it may stop some people from using and, should they make the mistake anyway – either not test it or think, ‘Oh, there’s probably not that much fentanyl in it, I’ll be ﬁne’ – the Narcan is there as a back-up.” Dozier agreed with the importance of drug education in schools and also stressed that no one should feel stigmatized when it comes to seeking out items like test strips or Narcan. “Never feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask for assistance,” Dozier said. “Drugs don’t discriminate. They don’t care if you are rich or poor, man or woman, or what color you are. There is a whole science behind substance abuse and effects on the brain. Addiction can happen to anyone. That is why it is so important to educate about the dangers of these substances.” Senior Kayla Hallac can be reached at 22hallacka85@daretolearn.org. Senior Maren Ingram can be reached at 22ingramma01@daretolearn.org. Senior Maggie McNinch can be reached at 22mcninchma07@daretolearn.org.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

ur Time

J-1s prove essential for OBX businesses

By Kira Walters Staff Writer

hroughout the past two years, seeing “Now Hiring” signs on every business door has become common. This may have always been a normal way of life before the busy summer season kicked in; however, it is not normal for it to occur year-round. The employment crunch on the Outer Banks has been a challenge for quite some time now, with people placing the blame on many possible reasons: housing shortages, COVID-19 restrictions and – possibly the most impactful – lack of J-1 visa participants. Workers in the J-1 visa program are people who travel from other countries to the United States to work, learn and experience the culture. They are given a visa and told exactly what to do when they arrive, such as how to open a bank account and get a social security number. “I believe (J-1 students) play a very large role because our resident population cannot support our inﬂux of seasonal visitors,” Dunkin’ owner Danielle Nigro said. “Our population is anywhere from 35,000 to 40,000 total people, which includes infants up to retirees, and during the peak season we can see upwards of 350,000 vacationers (per week). Therefore, even if every one of those (residents) worked, it would not be enough to support all the visitors.” COVID-19 and its restrictions have completely changed the lives of people all over the world. Lockdowns and other restrictions have prevented those in the J-1 program from traveling and having the opportunity to work. Lack of

participants in the program has caused serious harm to local businesses. “In 2019, prior to Covid, we had almost 1,800 exchange visitors in the Outer Banks. 2020 and 2021 only saw a tiny fraction of that number,” said Jamie Banjak, chair of the OBX International Student Outreach Program (OBXISOP). “The most accurate response I can tell you is that we’ll have more than the last two years, but probably not the volume we saw before Covid.” Until COVID-19 wiped away the J-1 participants, the reliance on them in countless shops was not that noticeable. Not until their loss did areas like the Outer Banks realize how great a struggle it was to fill jobs without the help from those in the J-1 program. Despite all the open jobs up and down the beach, though, J-1 workers cannot fill them all – even if they were here in full force. “J-1 participants are only allowed to work seasonal, temporary positions that do not displace American workers. The idea is that they’re working positions that will give them access to Americans and US culture as well as opportunities to practice and improve their English,” Banjak said. “There is an entire list of excluded positions on the Department of State’s website (www.j1visa.state. gov). Most of the positions are retail, restaurant, hospitality-type jobs.” Still, there are a variety of job options available for those with J-1 visas aside from common restaurant or retail jobs. Spanish teacher Leo Perez is a former recipient of a J-1 visa and looks back on the experience with fond memories. “My first job was as a housekeeper.

It was in New Hampshire and then the second time I worked at a casino in Connecticut,” Perez said. “That was the best experience I had just because the boss was from Chile and he was extradited from Chile just because we had a dictatorship. So he was there for whatever random reason and he was pretty cool. He was really good to me.” Perez is now a J-2 participant, which has guidelines that are different from a J-1 visa. “I’m a J-2, which means I’m here for ﬁve years, but at the same time it is still a J visa, which means it’s just for educational purposes,” Perez said. “So my visa says that I need to be here for an extended amount of time, then I need to go back to Chile, which is my home country, to try to talk to people about what I learned through the experience of teaching in the United States. The idea is just to give back and maybe ﬁnd something to make your own educational system better. So me

as a teacher can be a tool to say, ‘You know what, this worked in the United States, why don’t we try this?’ ” Most of the J-1 visitors, however, will work the traditional tourism jobs and then return home. And because Covid concerns are easing, they’re getting to experience a little more American culture than the last few years. “So far the season is different than the past two years in that lobbies are open and this provides a different atmosphere for the employees, as well as the guests,” Nigro said. “You can now come inside restaurants or shops and that alone makes a big difference. It reconnects people with those that are there to provide a service, which is nice. Also, with many of the mask mandates lifted, it is a welcome change to see the exchange of a simple smile between an employee and a guest.” Sophomore Kira Walters can be reached at 24walterski77@daretolearn. org.

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NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / news

Teachers, students ready to pack their bags for European trips

By Allie Nigro Features Editor

12-day tour of Ireland, Scotland, England and France. Climbing the Eiffel Tower and viewing the city from above. Drinking afternoon tea in Edinburgh. Witnessing the Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Walking through stunning castles and cathedrals. This could be you during the summer of 2023. After several years off because of COVID-19, students have the chance to enjoy two trips to Europe next summer, one touring Greece and one touring the United Kingdom and France. They will be hosted by Education First (EF) Tours, and led by teachers Lauren Deal and Erin Basilone. “I think the coolest thing about EF is that it’s a little bit more structured than if you were traveling on your own or even traveling with family,” EF Senior Tours Consultant James Tatter said. “We are going to build in everything we think you should see, and a lot of that is because we work with students, and a key part of keeping it safe is making sure there’s a plan every day and people know where they’re going.” EF Tours is working with FFHS to give students the opportunity to travel and explore places outside of the United States at an early age. “We’re traveling to Greece for several days to see sights like the Acropolis, and then taking a cruise through the Greek Islands, stopping at several of them for the day,” said Deal, who is the teacher leading the Greece trip. Not only will students get to see well-known attractions, but they will also get a more authentic view of these countries. “On my previous trips, students have had a chance to see ‘behind the scenes’ in the countries we’ve visited and get more than just a surface-level view of the countries,” Deal said. “I imagine this trip will be the same.”

Anyone is welcome to sign up, including students, families and community members. “Currently, we have a group of eight people,” Deal said. “I like to keep my travel groups relatively small, but I’d be happy to have a few more travelers join us.” The cost to take either trip is around $4,500 and includes almost everything other than your own spending money. “I know the price is not easy to pay, but that’s part of why I’m delaying until summer 2023, to give people this summer to work and save up to help pay for the trip so the cost isn’t so much all at once,” Deal said. Even though the trip is two summers away, students are looking forward to undergoing new experiences. “I’m excited to see all the (Greek) islands and go on the cruise, because I’ve never been on a cruise before,” sophomore Ava Nultemeier said. These trips are a positive and safe way to get the most out of traveling. Basilone is excited for students to experience everything that Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, London and Paris have to offer. “EF has created an awesome itinerary for us in each city,” Basilone said. “We’ll see everything from castles, cathedrals, museums, natural wonders and amazing landscapes.” EF Tours is a great way to travel to someplace you’ve always wanted to go, whether you’ve traveled with the company before or it’s your first time. “I did an EF Tour back in fifth or sixth grade and we went to Italy, so that’s part of the reason I’m going, because we were like, ‘Oh, EF, they know what they’re doing,’ ” junior Delaney Hanf said. “I’ve always wanted to go to Scotland or Ireland with my family, and now we can go with a group.” Students are excited to see new places and experience new things outside of the Outer Banks. “It’s just going to be so different,” Hanf said. “We’re going to see some countrysides, some cities, some little

Submitted Photos

Walking through historic landmarks, former EF tour guides show students various cities, enjoying the sights and culture of new places.

towns, but everything will be different and a new experience.” These trips also give students a chance to figure out where they may want to go in the future, and allow them to try new things that they may not have otherwise been able to experience. “You get to see areas outside of your comfort zone and you get to see if you want to live outside of the US,” sophomore Owen LaVier said. “If you want to move somewhere and try something different, you can definitely use this opportunity.” The chance to learn about different cultures, gain new experiences and broaden horizons is one of the reasons Tatter loves working with schools to organize these trips. He’s looking forward

to working with FFHS teachers in the years ahead to make sure adventures like these are offered every summer. “You’re going to see a lot that reminds you of home and you’re going to see a lot that you have never imagined before, and that’s the point of going on these trips – that’s how you are going to get the most out of it,” Tatter said. “For the kids that are already signed up, my message to them would be to go into your trip with an open mind. A lot of travel can be uncomfortable and that’s actually some of the best parts. You’re going to learn a lot more from a flight delay than you are from a day that goes exactly according to plan.” Junior Allie Nigro can be reached at 23nigroal20@daretolearn.org.

Vacations, volunteers, views and By Kayla Hallac and Tatum Love Editor-in-Chief, Staff Writer

ne year of exciting events. One year of marvelous music. One year of bringing bands to the Outer Banks. One year of helping students get involved in the music industry. These milestones are reasons to celebrate for local couple Brad and Rebecca Meyers. “Music is part of our DNA and plays throughout our house during all waking hours,” said Rebecca Meyers, co-owner of VusicOBX. The couple created VusicOBX last year during Photo by Tatum Love/Nighthawk News COVID-19 after seeing videos of socially distanced Members of the Old Crow Medicine Show perform at Roanoke Is- concerts. The journey began with a personal hope land Festival Park at a concert put on by VusicOBX. This show took for live music, which quickly turned communiplace on April 23 and was one of the first of the season. ty-wide. They brainstormed and created a two-day

music festival on the Outer Banks entitled “Vusic on the Banks.” “Vusic” stands for music with a view. “We felt we could bring a beautiful live music experience to our community and to traveling music fans. And that’s exactly what happened last summer. The response and support exceeded all expectations,” Rebecca said. “A sold-out show during a torrential downpour and an almost-spiritual Michael Franti concert for all ages brought us to tears on what we had accomplished.” From two shows last year, VusicOBX is expecting 10 to 12 this summer with multiple bands and fans across the nation asking to come to Outer Banks venues. “We go above and beyond to create the best in production, hospitality and overall experience for the NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Trivette dances her way to Governor’s School By N’Nia Brickhouse Staff Writer

fter an admissions process of a nomination, essays, recommendations and an audition video, junior Maura Trivette finally got called down to the guidance counselor’s office to be told she was accepted into the North Carolina Governor’s School at Meredith College. Governor’s School is a free, four-week residential program offered to rising seniors or rising juniors who apply for performing or visual arts. The summer school offers courses for both academics and the arts, but requires a nomination from the student’s school before they can even apply. Trivette applied to Governor’s School for dance, as she’s trained for 14 years at Atlantic Dance. Last summer, she went to a week-long jazz intensive, but thinks that Governor’s School will give her the opportunity to learn even more about dance and take other classes suited to her other interests. “I applied because I know it’s going to be a really good opportunity for me to grow within learning about dance and the history of dance,” Trivette said. “But there’s also a lot of other stuff I’m going to learn. I honestly have no clue what – there’s so many classes I can take that aren’t related to dance.” There were two essays Trivette was required to submit. One was about a contemporary issue she was interested in and the other focused on contemporary ideas she is currently exploring and

Photo by Maren Ingram/Nighthawk News

Tap dancing at Artrageous, junior Maura Trivette shows off her skills in dance that she has mastered over the years. Trivette looks forward to adding to her dance experience at the Governor’s School this summer.

why she finds them interesting. On top of that, the two recommendations she had to get needed to be from one academic teacher and someone outside of school. The audition consisted of four parts: an introduction, warm-up, movement phrase through space and a composition work. The warm-up and

movement phrase through space included a video that the applicants would watch and then record themselves doing. The composition work, or “tiny composition,” was a composition created by the applicant following a set of instructions given to them. The hard work that went into the application process

was worth it, though, because of the opportunities that now await. “I just feel like there’s going to be a lot of opportunities to take weird classes and cool classes and just learn a lot,” Trivette said. “I think it’s going to make me more independent being away from home for a month, and it’ll make me stronger in dance, definitely. I’ll make a lot of new friends and meet a lot of cool people from all over North Carolina.” Trivette feels that her strong points in her application process were her essays, where she wrote about her experiences, growth and love for dance. A key point in her Performing Visual Arts Disciplines essay was about her first tap solo, where the music cut off while she performed. “My first year doing a tap solo, the second performance I did, my music cut off within the first 10 seconds,” Trivette said. “And it was absolutely terrifying. It was so scary because I hadn’t had a lot of experience with performing solos. And after that, I just kept doing more and more with tap and solos, and it’s caused a lot of growth.” The courses available at Governor’s School can give students a chance to see what college will be like. Apart from learning about their interests, spending a month away from home also teaches them how to be more independent. “Students get a taste of what college life is about,” First Flight guidance counselor Lisa Wheless said. “It will help them with the rigor of college, as the classes are college-level. Students will learn to live independently

and make life-long friends.” Rising juniors who are interested in applying to Governor’s School for next year should know that the application process is competitive and the program is rigorous. However, if they are selected, the opportunity to learn more about your favorite subject is hard to beat. “Regardless of whether or not they get accepted, the application process is a good experience for college applications,” Wheless said. “If chosen, this opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Nowhere else, except college, maybe, will students be with like-minded peers for four weeks learning about the subject they love.” If you know what discipline you’re interested in learning more about at Governor’s School, Wheless recommends doing as much as you can to learn more about it to strengthen your future application. “If you have an interest, explore all avenues in the community to learn more about it,” Wheless said. “For example, if you have a biology interest, join science clubs, help out with NEST, volunteer at the aquarium and any other group in the community that has a biology interest. Some of these groups are also online, so explore those avenues, too.” Or, if you’re like Trivette and your interest lies in dance, summer dance camps and intensives are the way to go. This summer, Trivette truly is a dancing queen, young and sweet, only 17. Sophomore N’Nia Brickhouse can be reached at 24brickhousenn92@daretolearn.org.

‘Vusic’ oh my! – Vusicfest concerts are here to stay bands. If they want a basketball, we go to the ends of the Outer Banks earth to get one!” Rebecca said. “They loved coming here and let us know it. The backdrop of the sound paired with our OBX hospitality has them wanting to return or see what the buzz is all about.” And of course, it doesn’t hurt that the Outer Banks is a tourist attraction that many only dream of visiting. Music with a view benefits all parties involved. “We are truly blessed to live in such a beautiful place. The OBX is a destination and Roanoke Island Festival Park is a waterfront gem of a venue. It should be experienced by anyone who loves live music,” Rebecca said. “There are so many local talented musicians and live music lovers in the industry here that come together to make it a beautiful experience for all.” The opportunity doesn’t stop at music players and listeners. VusicOBX has recruited several Outer Banks NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / features

students to volunteer at these live music events, including their daughter, Ellie Meyers. “My main job as a VusicFest volunteer is morning set-up and wristbands. I get there at 12 p.m. the day of the concert to either decorate the dressing rooms, run around and get stuff for people, decorate the merch tent, help set up food if needed, etc.,” Ellie said. The job is one Ellie has been fortunate to figure out with friends. While it may be stressful at some points, it’s worth it to enjoy the live music in between her work. “Once everyone is inside the doors, then we enjoy the concert! It really depends on which show it is, but after the show we normally help clean up or we do it the next morning,” Ellie said. “It’s crazy busy, but I love doing it, and what’s better than doing a job you love?” Ellie also enjoys how her parents are able to bring

live music to the Outer Banks. “My family has always been a huge fan of live music and we’ve never had anything like this on the Outer Banks,” Ellie said. This family fun is a true example of spreading excitement throughout our local community. Rebecca sums it up best. “It’s so overwhelming to see it all come together as people dance under the moonlight,” Rebecca said. “It’s surely a labor of love that takes a village. We are so blessed to have a local team of music lovers who have organically come together to build this grassroots concept and execute it.” Senior Kayla Hallac can be reached at 22hallacka85@daretolearn.org. Senior Tatum Love can be reached at 22loveta53@ daretolearn.org.

Students triumph at local art shows

By Kayla Loveless Staff Writer

ou work tirelessly on an art project for weeks, putting on the final touches. You finally turn it in, and your art teacher loves it. The piece gets entered into the local art show and you wait while complete strangers critique your artwork. Finally, you get a call… Two annual art contests returned this spring and featured 17 students from FFHS winning in 20 different categories. FFHS took home a total of five 1st in State awards at the 2021 Annual Arts Festival hosted by The Outer Banks Woman’s Club. FFHS students also placed in 11 categories and had their work showcased at Festival Park in April at the annual Dare County Schools Art Show. One of the big winners in the Dare County contest was junior Kurt Felthousen, who captured Best of Show with an extremely realistic drawing of a $20 bill. “It took me about a week and a half,” Felthousen said. “I was really excited because I worked so hard on it. (My teacher) taught me how to use shading pencils, which I had never used before.” In categories from mixed media to photography, First Flight students triumphed. Senior MacKenzie Greenleaf won first place in both the Woman’s Club district and state competition for graphics. “I wanted to challenge myself more with art,” Greenleaf said. “I felt like it would make me take it more seriously than I would normally and I’d have to think more about the project.” These students had someone to support them along the way. Art teacher Alice Baldwin has been teaching at First Flight for nine years, and has

2021 Annual Arts Festival hosted by The Outer Banks Woman’s Club – Olivia Fisher, 1st in the District and State for Sculpture, 1st in the District and 2nd at State for Paper Craft – Annalisse Castillo, 1st in the District and State for Graphite Pencil – Mackenzie Greenleaf, 1st in the District and State for Graphics – Rylie McPherson, 1st in the District and State for Mixed Media – Kaylee Evans, 1st in the District and State for Digitally Enhanced Photography – Hannah Montgomery, 2nd in the District for Acrylic – Sarai Bullock, 2nd in the District for Color Photography – Skylar Cardwell, 2nd in the District for Black & White Photography – Bryce Owens, 3rd in the District for Colored Pencils Dare County Schools Art Show

Submitted Photo

Senior Hannah Montgomery poses with her art contest entry after winning second in the district for acrylic work at the Arts Festival hosted by the Outer Banks Woman’s Club.

thoroughly enjoyed watching her students grow in the world of art. “I’m really proud of their time and dedication to their craft,” Baldwin said. “I really get to see their skill grow and their voices grow as an artist.” Having Baldwin as your art teacher isn’t the only way to win an award, though. Senior Rylie McPherson has art teacher Sarah Linehan and proved that both First Flight art teachers can produce winners. McPherson won first place in the district and state for mixed

media in the Woman’s Club contest. “It was an assignment, but I definitely took a different spin considering I didn’t exactly use the medium the way it was suggested,” McPherson said. “It was a first time for me. I’ve never worked with scrap paper before and I’ve never used me as a reference.” Regardless of how they placed in the contests, the FFHS art students said that art will always be what you make of it, how you interpret it, a personification of the creator. So whether

– Best of Show - Kurt Felthousen – Awards of Excellence Colored Photography - Skylar Cardwell Drawing - Bryce Owens Pen and Ink- Kai Reece Colored Pencils - Tina Hempfer Mixed Media - Marin Remige – Honorable Mention Colored Photography - Noah Adams B&W Photography - Connor Griffith Painting - Chloe Wienert Pen and Ink - Chloe Wienert Textiles - Annie Heath

it’s just a hobby or something you plan to do professionally, you can always better yourself. “I can try to inspire and demonstrate skill and teach skill, but it really comes down to their dedication and effort,” Baldwin said. “It’s kind of like coming-of-age novels, but them coming together as an artist; I get to see that whole process, and it’s great.” Sophomore Kayla Loveless can be reached at 24lovelesska73@daretolearn. org.

Submitted Photos

Sophomore Kai Reece’s art contest entry (left) won Pen and Ink in the Dare County Schools Art Show, and junior Kurt Felthousen’s entry (right) won Best of Show. Many art students participated in local contests and won various other awards.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

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Payne’s animated personality leads to a spot at SCAD

By Foster Guns Staff Writer

ust about every kid has watched “Bambi” at some point. Cute, talking animals having a grand time in the forest (except for when Bambi’s mom dies), growing up together as well as learning valuable lessons of friendship. Most kids stopped watching when the animals left the screen. But Jayden Payne remembers wanting more. The senior’s bright future at their dream university actually begins with that old VHS tape of “Bambi.” “At the end of the movie, they did a behind-the-scenes where they explained how they made the movie,” Payne said. “I was so fascinated by that as a kid that I decided that I wanted to pursue some sort of field of the arts.” Their passion for the arts came to a more specific focus as they progressed. “I had no idea what the heck I was thinking of. I was just like ‘I want to make art,’ ” Payne said. “Now I do know what the heck I was thinking – I wanted to be an animator.” Payne spent many school days at Nags Head Elementary indulging in as much art as they could as a second-grader. They looked to popular books like the comic series “Big Nate” for inspiration. “My first experience of art feeling attainable was ‘Big Nate.’ He was a kid that was constantly making comics,” Payne said. “I was like, ‘Well, if Big Nate can do it then I can because I’m smarter than Big Nate.’ ” They found their first big supporter in NHES art class – their very own art teacher, Cindy Wise. “Mrs. Wise was my first influence. It’s great to see how far I’ve grown, especially now that she is so sweet to me,” Payne said. Payne continued to soar after they left NHES. While working on art at First Flight Middle School, they thought of the idea of an Undertale AU to create with their friends. An AU is an alternate universe inside of a beloved movie, game or series. “It’s called Tamashi Tale. It started off as a weird passion project between me and a few friends, then they were just kind of not interested anymore,” Payne said. “But I wasn’t gonna give up.”

Submitted Photos

Senior Jayden Payne shows off their design skills (above) in a self-portrait of a photo of her performing in ‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)’ and looks forward to continuing their animation work at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Tamashi Tale became a creative playground for Payne in the years to come. “I had created these characters that I absolutely adore to this day, that I won’t shut up about,” Payne explained.

“On top of that, I learned a lot more from this comic that I’m making every day. I’m learning so much about diversity through it, too.” Coming into high school, Payne discovered a new passion on the FFHS

stage through acting. Playing a lead role in the spring play “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged”, Payne has loved creating memories with their fellow actors. “I’ll try to make a collection of memories for compilations of what happened over the last year,” Payne said. “It’s always fun because not only do I capture a lot of really cool things, but I get to show it to everybody else like, ‘Hey, remember when this happened?’ ” Payne has built close relationships with everyone involved in the theater program, and has grown as an actor with their support. “A ray of sunshine – they are creative, fun and joyful,” said Payne’s theater teacher, Monica Penn. “They had such tremendous growth from the starting point to where they are now with our last show being a lead in it.” Payne will miss everything about theater, between the roles they played and the family they created. Leaving the theater program will be the hardest part of graduating high school for Payne. “I’m really going to miss the inclusivity of everybody because that’s 75% of theater,” Payne said. “Just being with the people that make you happy.” Still, Payne is excited about going to their dream school, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). “I’m going to miss being in a place that I’ve grown so familiar with, but at the same time, I’m getting kind of cramped,” Payne said. Payne’s sights have been set on SCAD from a young age, so getting in was a very surreal experience. “I just remember always looking up to people that came from that college. It seems so vigorous and really good,” Payne said. As graduation approaches, Payne is not only getting more excited, but more comfortable looking into their future. “I’m feeling (like) it will be really good. I’ve already toured the campus and everything and I know what I’m expecting, so it’s less terrifying,” Payne said. Sophomore Foster Guns can be reached at 24gunsfo54@daretolearn.org.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Band (of) brothers makes musical memories

By Kate Hamilton Online Editor-in-Chief

riendships can blossom in many different ways. They can start by meeting someone while traveling, working at the same job, or participating in similar activities. In this case, seniors Ethan Duck and Damien Gregory met in sixth-grade band class. “We were friends in sixth grade and then from seventh grade on, we’ve been really close friends,” Duck said. They have gotten particularly close this year. Their similar schedules allowed them to spend more time together as they both participate in the orchestra, have had similar free periods, and have band classes together. Both Duck and Gregory enjoy being in band and have accomplished many great things. Duck plays the alto saxophone, while Gregory plays the trombone. Both of them are skilled musicians who plan to continue playing after high school. “I am going to ECU to study jazz performance and hopefully work up to getting my doctorate,” Duck said. Gregory has a different major in mind, but won’t let go of his love of music. “I plan to go to the Air Force Academy and hopefully become a pilot afterwards, studying aerospace engineering,” Gregory said. “Also, definitely continuing with music as well in the future.” Being in band has taught both Duck and Gregory many different skills that they will be able to use in the future. “I definitely learned a lot about leadership and knowing how to keep a bunch of rowdy kids under control,” Duck said. “Also, definitely a lot about teamwork and working together as a group.” While Duck learned a lot about working with others, Gregory learned another great life skill. “I’ve definitely learned time management, because not only do you have to play in school, you have to play and practice a lot outside of school,” Gregory said. “Especially if you want to make All-State, you really have to practice a lot.” Not only have they learned a lot NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / features

from band, but they have also learned a lot from one another. “Well, definitely music-wise, because (Ethan) is very musically inclined,” Gregory said. “In life, I’ve learned a few things from him as he’s been with me. He would make a mistake and I’m like, ‘Oh, I definitely don’t want to do that.’ ” Friends have seen Duck and Gregory’s friendship grow throughout the years and really seen how great of a duo they are. Senior Sydney Guns, who is in band and orchestra with the pair, sees them together on a daily basis. “Ethan and Damien are like brothers and always come as a pair,” Guns said. “They are super funny and definitely make things more interesting.” Another close friend, sophomore Heath Miller, is also in band and orchestra with them. He sees how Duck and Gregory are able to have fun together, but also work hard toward their goals. “They joke a lot on the outside, but deep down they really care a lot about what they’re passionate about and that’s what I really like about them,” Miller said. Robert Lamberg became the band teacher at First Flight this year and quickly noticed Duck and Gregory’s friendship. Lamberg has been able to see the two grow musically and as people in his class and has really enjoyed having the opportunity to be Photo by Steve Hanf (above) and Taylor Newton/Nighthawk News their teacher. Seniors Damien Gregory (left) and Ethan Duck enjoy another moment in the spotlight together “Ethan and Damien are excellent at the recent Fine Arts Boosters Awards. Gregory and Duck have spent much of their time pracplayers. I didn’t have to teach them. ticing music together and having fun over the years in concerts and on band trips. I mostly hope to guide them in their musical endeavors,” Lamberg said. As the last days of high school are coming to an end, they both are going to miss a lot about band and the fond memories they made there together. But most of all, they are going to miss one another. “I’m going to miss him screaming about useless things really loudly for no reason,” Duck said. “I’m going to miss probably just having someone calling out my faults and laughing at me, and I hope wherever I go, wherever I end up, I find someone as real of a person and as pure as he is,” Gregory said. Senior Kate Hamilton can be reached at 22hamiltonka86@daretolearn.org.

Our View: Newspaper seniors leave lasting legacy in B-214 Nighthawk News Editors-in-Chief: Kayla Hallac, Maren Ingram, Maggie McNinch Online Editors-in-Chief: Versailles Dalessio, Kate Hamilton, Olivia Sugg Features Editors: Emma Braithwaite, Allie Nigro Opinions Editors: Fiona Finchem, Samuel Smith Sports Editors: Mackenzie Edwards, Noah Kinnisten Photo Editor: Taylor Newton News Editors: Emmy Benton, Stella Bryson Multimedia Editor: Michael Pearson Social Media Editors: Daisy Morales-Bravo, Callie Honeycutt Business Manager: Joey Krieg Staff Writers: N’Nia Brickhouse, Colin Byard, Arden Carlyle, Foster Guns, Abigail Haber, Tatum Love, Kayla Loveless, Audrey Lovell, Kira Walters Adviser: Steve Hanf

ighthawk News Magazine is published four times a year by the journalism classes at First Flight High School. The publication is distributed free to the FFHS student body, faculty and staff and to First Flight Middle School. Approximately 3,000 copies are distributed in various retail outlets throughout the Outer Banks. The Nighthawk News staff strives to provide informative and accurate coverage of individuals and events within the school and the Dare County community. The opinion pages serve as a forum for the publications staff and community. Views expressed in Nighthawk News do not represent the opinions of the faculty or administration, the Dare County School Board or its administration. Editorials represent the views of the staff; bylined columns are the opinion of the authors. Readers are encouraged to write letters to the editor on matters of concern. Letters may be mailed to FFHS or delivered to Room B-214. They must be signed. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, grammatical errors or libelous content. Reach us by mail at 100 Veterans Drive, Kill Devil Hills, N.C. 27948, by phone at (252) 449-7000 or by e-mail at hanfst@daretolearn.org. Advertising inquiries can be made by phone or email. Nighthawk News is a member of the North Carolina Scholastic Media Association and the National Scholastic and Southern Interscholastic press associations. Our stories also are published online at NighthawkNews.com. Follow us on Twitter @FFNighthawkNews, Facebook.com/NighthawkNews, Instagram @FFHSNighthawkNews and Snapchat at Nighthawk.News. Sun Coast Press of Venice, Florida, prints our paper.

makes edits to my story, she always ear after year, the senior edileaves kind comments at the end, tion of Nighthawk News sigwhich I really enjoy. nifies the end to our year-long endeavor of developing a pubMaggie McNinch lication that we’re proud to distribute Maggie is one of the best writers throughout the school and community. I have ever seen. She is a wonderful In this edition, we highlight not only editor who has greatly helped me imthe senior class, but also the seniors of Nighthawk News who work tirelessly to prove my journalism skills. I think what makes her a great editor is make our publication the that she is able to share her best that it can be. We’ve had the pleasure passion for journalism with of getting to know these the entire staff. seniors and are sad to see Maggie is an amazing them go, but know that EIC and I’ve loved getting they’ll thrive in whatever to know her better this STAFF they choose to do after year. She’s such a good EDITORIAL high school. They’ve been writer and I’ve always a great source of inspilooked up to her. Anytime I ration and have taught us valuable had a question, she was always willing lessons that will last us a lifetime. to help. We are so grateful for the three I remember being a freshman in senior EICs – Maggie, Maren and Kayla Intro and seeing one of Maggie’s sto– who have supported us and exemries in the latest edition. I remember plified what it means to be a great thinking how cool and inspiring it was journalist. Below are some thoughts that she was only a sophomore and her about each senior shared by members writing was all over the community. I of the newspaper staff. Thank you for have always looked up to her. everything and good luck next year! Kayla Hallac Maren Ingram Anytime I had any questions ever, I always feel as if Maren really does I was able to come to Kayla to ask for care about my story, and if I’m strughelp. She taught me a lot about designgling to find sources or I am not 100% ing in my first year of newspaper. on something, I’m not scared to ask Kayla has been my greatest mentor her. She is extremely understanding, throughout my journalistic career. She and she helps the staff in a supportive is always the first person I send my stoand caring way. She really cares about ries to and she always provides great Nighthawk News and everyone on staff. suggestions. My favorite memory in Maren is an amazing EIC. She is alclass with Kayla was when she wheeled ways very helpful and really cares about me out to the parking lot in a rolly Nighthawk News. She is really nice and chair to get a picture for our opinion easy to talk to when I need help with stories. my story. I have really enjoyed having I look up to Kayla because she is a her as my EIC over the past year. terrific writer. I am always impressed Maren has always made me feel by how she can write such touching good about my writing. Even when she stories about difficult topics.

IN OUR OPINION

Hawk Talk: Which member of the senior

“I look up to my sister, Emma, because she strives to work hard every day and goes to school to get things done. She is also one of my closest friends.” – freshman Sarah Bonamico (right)

“The real Shawn (Taylor) because of his hooping skills.” – freshman Mason Dobie (left)

“I look up to Gage Tomlin because he is a great role model and has taught me many things I use today.” – sophomore Caden Hedges (right)

“I look up to Peyton (McCleary) because she’s funny, stands out and cares a lot about others.” – sophomore Maia Hyman (left)

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Byard

Carlyle

Ingram Kate Hamilton Kate is always so friendly and you can tell that she cares a lot about others. Kate is such a good friend to have in class. She’s always super helpful and always makes me happy with her contagious smile. Kate is inspiring because she is always smiling, even at 8 a.m. Noah Kinnisten Noah is very funny and makes newspaper more exciting. Noah is a great sports editor, and he always has good takes in his opinion stories. Tatum Love I’m so happy to have Tatum in my newspaper class. She lights up the room with her awesome personality and always makes me laugh. Tatum is so sweet, and she is more than willing to help any of her peers.

Dalessio

Kinnisten

Finchem

Krieg

Versailles Dalessio Versailles is always so nice and willing to help me if I have a question. When we were recording an episode for the “I Am Somebody” podcast, we were all laughing and messing around behind the scenes and eventually, Versailles ended up telling us about her ghost stories. She’s always really fun to work with! Versailles is a great writer. I remember when we were remote she conducted interviews over Zoom because she was so committed. Michael Pearson Michael makes classes more fun with his amazing sense of humor. Michael is a great Multimedia Editor and I look up to his video editing skills. Colin Byard I think Colin did great for his ﬁrst year of newspaper this year. My favor-

Hallac

Love

Hamilton

McNinch

ite memory is when he would come to class looking like a Smurf with his blue hair during soccer playoffs. His stories are always interesting to read. Arden Carlyle Arden is an amazing person. She always has a smile on her face and is a person you can deﬁnitely count on. Even though this was her ﬁrst year on staff, she was able to introduce fun and diverse topics into the classroom. Arden was an amazing addition to Nighthawk News this year. She is very nice and has an amazing attitude. I always enjoyed any moments when we worked together to design pages. Inside and outside of newspaper, she is always caring and willing to help. Callie Honeycutt Callie has an amazing personality. She helped me with being a social media editor, and I am very thankful for that.

Honeycutt

Pearson Callie is always willing to help. She has helped me with ﬁnding people to interview multiple times. Fiona Finchem Fiona brings fun energy into the classroom each day. She makes the class more enjoyable while at the same time being productive. Her charismatic personality makes her a great asset to our journalism class. Fiona always had great ideas to share with the class. She is easy to talk to and I’ve really enjoyed working with her this year. Joey Krieg Fourth period would not be nearly as enjoyable without Joey. He always lightened the mood and made everyone laugh. Joey always brought some humor to fourth period. Our class never left school without laughing when Joey was there.

class do you look up to the most?

“I look up to Allegra Reece because she is motivated, a good role model, and I love her outﬁts” – sophomore Lainey Greenwood (left)

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / opinions

“Ryan McGee is a good friend of mine. I look up to him because he is all-around really nice. His academic achievements inspire me to work harder.” – junior Kaylee Evans

“I look up to Susie (Hala) because she’s funny and she always makes everybody laugh. She just knows how to have a good time.” sophomore Carly Gardill (left)

“I look up to Wes (Rhodes) because he has a good work ethic.” – junior Hunter Braithwaite (right)

Does size matter? Going small is not always a bad thing

t’s a bright and sunny day in beautiful New Orleans. You just left your 40-person University 101 class and are strolling through your 26-acre campus to one of two freshman dorm options offered at your college. You run into your roommate – since the journalism and business buildings are right next to each other – and decide to grab a quick lunch in the cafeteria that’s just minutes from your dorm. This peaceful scene is about to be my spectacular reality for the next four years as I earn a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Loyola University New Orleans, 16 hours away from home. Starting at the beginning when I applied to colleges, I had a list of things I wanted and things that I didn’t want. First, I did not want to go to school in a college town. My sister attends the University of South Carolina and, as lovely as it is, visiting her taught me that life in a town that is built around a big college was not for me. Secondly, if I could afford it with scholarships, financial aid, etc., I really wanted to go out of state. Throwing myself right in the deep end of leaving home is the only way I would ever actually make the leap, and college was the perfect opportunity. Lastly, I wanted an in-depth education in my classes, but my environment and the social setting to be a giant fish bowl. I learn better with educators helping me one-on-one instead of being lost in a giant class. I figured out from these personal criteria that a small school in a big city was the place for me, and that is when I found and fell in love with Loyola University, or Loyno. My family and I toured in early

March, and after not even a day in this unfamiliar place, my decision was ingrained in my brain: This was the place for me. I got to see examples of class sizes for my major as well as my tour guide making a pit stop to the actual journalism department, where I talked to a staff writer on the student newspaper, The Maroon. After walking the campus and making several stops all in one hour due

to the small campus size, I knew that I was going to be happy and feel seen while still getting that big-city feel. I needed to attend this school. My tour consisted of me and only one other family of a student who was accepted. My new friend, Joseph, and I got to see all of the things we both specifically were curious about, as well as the basics such as the dining hall, library and gym, which are all in close proximity to each other for the approximately 5,000 students on campus. I got a taste of the weather on my trip as well, which is one season all year around: summer. The daily high for their “cold months” is 69 degrees, which is pretty amazing for someone like me who hates the cold. One downside is the humidity, but

Photo Maggie McNinch/Nighthawk News

Senior Kate Hamilton (left) and senior Callie Honeycutt pose defending their school of choice. Hamilton vouches for the bigger school life, while Honeycutt looks forward to her next steps at a small private school.

if my biggest problem when it comes to college is if I am going to have frizzy hair or not, I think I lucked out. While on my trip, I got to see the rambunctious life of New Orleans on Bourbon Street and The French Quarter, where all the crazy stuff happens. Loyno is located right in the middle of the Garden District (a 30-minute trolley ride from the crazy stuff), so I have the option of the wild nightlife if I want it, but then get to come home to the peaceful, beautiful and safe suburbs. Another pro of my new home is that Greek life is not extremely important because the school is so small and it’s impossible for them to have a huge Greek system. I never had an interest in sororities and rushing, and although the school does have Greek clubs, there is no housing, so it is not a main focus or necessity to have an enjoyable four years. I have never been one to take interest in watching or playing sports, either, and even though Loyno does have an athletic program, I am more excited about the various clubs and leadership roles I can join. One thing I have done my whole life is dance, and Loyno does have a dance club if I choose to pursue it on the side. Growing up on the Outer Banks, I’ve developed an appreciation for having a small, tight-knit community around me. With a smaller school like Loyola, I have been lucky enough to find a place that checks almost all of the boxes I need, while simultaneously making me more excited for the next four years away from the only place I have ever known. Senior Callie Honeycutt can be reached at 22honeycuttca54@daretolearn.org.

Larger schools give you the better college experience

lassrooms are filled, stadiums are packed, the lawns are crowded. This is the typical atmosphere at larger colleges and what many future college students dream of. When students begin the process of looking for their college of choice, one of the major elements considered is if they want the feeling of a learning environment that has thousands of students, or if they are more comfortable with a smaller setting. Personally, a smaller school was something that never crossed my mind. The bigger school life has always been something I’ve dreamed of. Growing up in a small beach town, I’ve been itching to get out and see more and do more. Attending North Carolina State University, I will be living in a big city. Being North Carolina’s capital, Raleigh has so much to offer: Museums, shopping and more. There are so many opportunities awaiting me there and I know that it is the perfect fit.

NC State is the university with the highest enrollment rate in North Carolina, with over 36,000 undergraduate students and a 2,900-acre campus. When touring, the campus just felt perfect. The atmosphere was exactly what I was looking for. On the tour, I was able to see what kind of learning environment I would be in. There are large classes, huge stadiums that are filled when there are games, and the students all seem to enjoy themselves. I was able to explore the libraries and see what kind of dorms I could be living in. The five libraries at a big school like NC State have so much more to offer, including the wide variety of different levels where you are able to study and an outside roof-top area with outlets available. There are also 20 dorm buildings that I could get assigned to that can house many more students than other universities. As I am studying elementary education, I was

looking for a good education program. NC State was ranked number nine in the College Magazine as the best colleges for education in the nation. It has a large program that has over 70 amazing professors and 500 students, and I am excited to start learning in large classrooms with many students. What really sealed the deal was how much the students are involved in the different clubs and big sporting events. I am looking forward to the tailgates and getting ready for games with friends. Going to the football games is something that really excites me. I have enjoyed going to my high school games and I know that I am going to enjoy being in a big crowd supporting my college even more. I have so much to learn and see, and I truly believe that NC State will be able to give me everything I am looking for. I am ready to be in the education program with lots of students and learn from many of the amazing professors. It is the perfect fit for me and I am looking forward to the exciting adventures that await me at my big campus. Senior Kate Hamilton can be reached at 22hamiltonka86@daretolearn.org. NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Photo by Maren Ingram/Nighthawk News

Senior Joey Krieg (from left), junior Olivia Sugg and senior Fiona Finchem pose in front of the once-used lockers with A-Day and B-Day balloons. The balloons are placed in the rotunda each day so students are aware of what classes they have that day. Plenty of changes have taken place at FFHS in the last four years.

Plenty changed from freshman year to senior year

ver the last three years, I have changed a lot. The time between freshman year and senior year goes by fast, and you don’t realize how much has changed until you’ve reached the end. Not only have I changed, but so has First Flight. But how many of those changes came from COVID-19, and how many are due to new administration? First, let’s take it back: The year is 2018, and you have just walked into the First Flight rotunda for the first time. You make your way to your home base, which, for me, was the band room, an entirely impossible room to find. After the “welcome to high school” introduction, it was time to find your locker. I know what you might be thinking: “the lockers were actually used?” Yes, I know it’s hard to believe they’re not just there for decoration, but they were used, once upon a time. It was actually against the rules to carry around your backpack. Sounds crazy, right? Luckily for you freshmen and sophomores, you never have to go through the pain of forgetting your NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / opinions

locker combination or rushing to get to your locker so you can get your seat at lunch. You get to carry around your things, which, believe me, is a luxury. Now, you might be wondering, why don’t we use lockers anymore? We stopped using lockers when we came back after COVID-19 this year as a way to maintain social distance, but if a student wanted a locker, one would be provided for them. The number of students in the school is almost equivalent to the number of lockers we have, so lockers would be even more cramped than in previous years, especially since the lockers are only about 18 inches wide. As a freshman and sophomore, I had the luxury of Empower Time – a 30-minute period where students could

pick a classroom to go to each day and get homework done. Now you’re probably jealous of this extra time to get homework done and wondering what happened to it. Empower time has always been tinkered with by administration, and because of the size of our school and students’ good academic standings, there isn’t a huge need for extra working time. Another significant change was going from a five-block schedule to a four-block schedule. The switch came in July of 2020, in part due to the restraints of remote learning. Superintendent Dr. John Farrelly announced that Dare County Schools would switch to a four-block schedule. It made more sense for remote learning because students had fewer classes, allowing being away from the classroom more manageable for students. It carried over into this year because of certain benefits, specifically that it works better for dual-enrolled students. Lastly, my least favorite change for my least favorite reason: No pep rallies

because of COVID-19. Luckily, my class was given the opportunity to have one last homecoming parade and pep rally, but it just wasn’t the same as when we were freshmen. The sports teams weren’t able to join their class for the “I am Somebody” speech, there wasn’t a “which class can yell the loudest” contest, and not to mention, about 80% of the senior class didn’t even show. My question is: What happened to all the school spirit? Through all the changes this school has gone through, it’s safe to say that I wouldn’t trade my time spent in this building for the world. I’ve made forever friends and experienced and learned things that have helped prepare me for college and the real world. While four years might seem like an eternity, I promise you, it’s not, and it will go by in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, you’re putting on your cap and gown, walking across the stage, receiving your diploma and stepping into the next chapter of your life, with high school being simply a memory. Senior Fiona Finchem can be reached at 22finchemfi99@daretolearn.org.

Senior butterflies are natural as we fly into the unknown

he final bell rings and your stomach begins to fill with butterflies. You are about to walk out of high school for the last time. All the preparation for the past several years is about to pay off for the next season of your life that is just around the corner. Whether you are going to college, taking a gap year, or going directly into the workforce, apprehension and fear of the unknown can pertain to anyone. If you are pursuing education beyond high school, making that college decision can be stressful and time-consuming to determine what seems like the right fit for you. I have made the decision to attend a private Christian university as a student-athlete, as volleyball has been an important part of my life since the fifth grade and is one of my biggest passions. Although volleyball will play a significant role in the next four years, the sport does not define who I am as a person. When I was making the college decision, I had to look past the offers I received for volleyball and solely focus on a school that will aid me in character development that will sustain me

for the future. Along with volleyball, I have the opportunity to pursue music. Growing up with parents in the church ministry, worship music was instilled in me at a young age. As a Christian, I consider my relationship with the Lord to be the most important thing in my life. At Emmanuel College in Georgia, it is evident that a private Christian school setting will strengthen my walk with God. I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to pursue the things I am most passionate about while being in an environment that will shape me into the woman I desire to be. However, my nerves are starting to kick in. High school graduation is approaching and before I know it, I will be stepping foot on the place I will call

home for the next four years. Personally, I am most anxious about being over eight hours away from my family. My family and I are very close and I can’t wrap my head around the fact that I won’t be able to make a quick day trip to visit them. I’m excited to be independent, but being away from home will take some getting used to. Coming home over breaks and the fact that my parents are just a phone call away eases my worries about being far from home. Secondly, I am expected to produce as an athlete on scholarship. Meeting my coaches’ and teammates’ expectations is vital during practices and games. Juggling schoolwork, lifts and practices will require physical strength along with a strong mental mindset. Like many future college students, I’m anxious about my new schedule, but I know it will enhance my time management skills. A concern that every college student experiences is finding a roommate. For months, the worry of finding the right roommate has been in the back of my mind. Thankfully, my coach assigned a teammate he felt would be

a great fit for me. We have connected through social media and share similar personality traits and interests. Since I am a part of the volleyball team, I have had the opportunity to connect with some teammates that I met on my campus visit. Personally, I feel that those girls will end up being my closest friends because we will spend most of our time together. However, I’m still nervous about meeting people on campus and making new friends in a completely different state. Anything that is unfamiliar can be nerve-racking. Despite all the senior butterflies, I feel secure in the place that I will soon call home. The way that this college came about, how smooth the recruiting process was, and how welcomed I felt makes me have peace in knowing that this is the place I will call home. The thought of “starting over” can be daunting, but you are not alone in your butterflies. As we venture out and go our separate ways, you too will find peace in your decision that will direct your future steps. Senior Arden Carlyle can be reached @22carlylear66@daretolearn.org.

Tips and tricks to help you flourish in AP and COA classes

he stress of a new school year can be overwhelming for many people, but what happens when you add new and even harder classes to your schedule? It can be a lot more stressful, but there are many ways for students to thrive in these classes and be as stress-free as can be. At the end of sophomore year, students are offered the chance to register for College of The Albemarle (COA) courses for the upcoming school year, which can be a daunting decision for a 15- or 16-year-old to make. Taking college classes in high school is a big responsibility, but there are many tips and tricks that could help you along the way: First and foremost, don’t get behind. Staying ahead of your work is important, as being in an online class means almost everything is self-paced. If you put off your work, it will eventually pile up and before you know it, you have 10 assignments due at midnight. Time management is key, especially since there is no one there during your 90 minutes each day to tell you to do your work on time, so it’s up to you to manage it on your own. Temptations to vere off course will arise. Whether they are from your friends, your phone or some other distraction it is up to you to stay on task. Second, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most of these classes are completely online and you may never even hear the sound of your teacher’s voice, which makes asking questions a little difficult. A lot of times, you may find yourself playing “email tag” during your professor’s given office hours. However difficult it may be, don’t be afraid to ask questions about assignments or lesson material given. Third, use all the resources provided by your teachers. If your professor assigns you something to

read or do, it’s most likely important. Using all these resources helps you gain a better understanding of the material so you can flourish in the course. Lastly, know how to navigate myCourses, the learning platform COA uses. At times, it can be very slow and hard to navigate. Different instructors have different ways of organizing their “classroom,” so it could take some adapting to get used to the new formatting. Luckily, at the beginning of each course, you are required to take an instructional course on myCourses and how COA works. With all of these tips, hopefully, you too will be successful in your online COA classes. Being successful in these classes can benefit you in so many ways such as boosting your high school GPA, gaining college credits, and becoming better prepared for college. Similar to COA classes, Advanced Placement (AP) classes are offered to students at the end of their freshman year. Freshmen have only had a year to acclimate to high school and can then take Advanced Placement classes for college credits. The jump from honors to AP is significant, but like COA, there are several ways to help you throughout the course. Once again, you have to ask questions. Unlike COA courses, AP classes are in-person and you have a teacher readily available. Since you have this course in-person, I highly suggest you take advantage of asking questions. Another benefit to AP courses is that many teachers offer extra learning opportunities, especially when AP exam time comes around. They may offer extra hours before or after school to provide you with more time to get help. This is very beneficial, especially if you don’t like asking a lot of questions in

Photo by Kate Hamilton/Nighthawk News

Erin Basilone provides assistance to her AP U.S. History students with their final projects.

class. More practice is always better than no practice. Doing extra credit can also be helpful. AP classes are college-level courses, so they are no walk in the park. Many good students struggle in AP classes, so it is imperative to take advantage of any extra credit opportunity. The extra credit will likely help your grade and expand your knowledge of the subject in the long run. Hopefully, after hearing these tips, you will be more confident and prepared for your COA and AP classes in the years to come. Junior Mackenzie Edwards can be reached at 23edwardsma78@daretolearn.org. NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

It’s 2022 – college or workforce, you CAN go your own way

ver since I was little, I remember my dad telling me that I was born with tar on my heels. He was referring to an old Civil War legend, where troops in North Carolina stuck to their line in battle as if they had tar on their heels. He was complimenting me – connecting that legend to my fearless and tenacious nature. However, some things get lost in translation. What was meant as a compliment from my dad became pressure that I put on myself. I thought he was referring to his and my mom’s alma mater – that he wanted me to attend UNC-Chapel Hill like they did and become a “Tar Heel.” This pressure is not unique; most students from early on in their high school careers worry about what they will do after graduation. There is often an assumption that kids will go to college, and there is a long list of “todo’s” to get there – good grades, lots of extracurricular activities, high test scores. I am fortunate enough to have parents who – despite my misunderstanding about tar heels – made sure to give me the freedom to decide what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. But, sadly, this isn’t always the case.

Just as there is an assumption about going to college, there is also a certain stigma surrounding students who choose not to – or even around those who choose to go to a particular school. Even the best of us look at the college map or a senior’s Instagram bio and judge their choices. But it’s 2022. Let’s lose the stigma. The reality is that there is no right or wrong answer. It doesn’t matter what school you choose or even if you attend college at all. There are so many opportunities for graduating seniors that don’t involve going to school for another four years. In the past couple of weeks, there have been multiple celebrations for seniors who have chosen to do internships, join the workforce in a speciﬁc ﬁeld or go to technical or trade schools. These signings recognize students who have decided to continue their training or secure a job in their chosen industry pathway after high school. College of The Albemarle (COA) is another option for many, as it offers lots of different technical training, from welding to HVAC technology to nursing aide. With the Dare Guarantee, graduating seniors have the opportunity to attend COA for free, learn a trade or get their associate degree and enter the workforce with no debt.

Photo by Taylor Newton/Nighthawk News

Seniors gather in the rotunda to celebrate their future careers in technical education at various colleges and the workforce at the CTE Signing Day earlier in May.

According to the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, “Student loan debt is the second-highest consumer debt category in the United States with more than 44 million borrowers who collectively owe more than $1.5 trillion.” I’m not saying that going to college is a bad idea. Attending college opens up opportunities for careers and professions that require advanced degrees. The education and experience, from what I understand, are like no

other, and I am deeply excited to – yes, become a Tar Heel – and go to Chapel Hill. No matter what you do – go to college, attend a trade school, join the workforce or military – my advice is choose to do whatever makes you happy, and stick to it like you have tar on your heels. Senior Maggie McNinch can be reached at 22mcninchma07@daretolearn.org.

SENIOR PLAYLIST Check out the celebratory graduation playlist with Nighthawk News’ personal favorite songs from throughout the year! – By Tatum Love, Staff Writer

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / opinions

Campbell going for the gold (and green) By Joey Krieg Business Manager

ost high school athletes’ dream is to win a state championship. And for most, the dream isn’t that realistic. But for Warner Campbell, who is patiently waiting on his fifth state championship ring to come in, these dreams have become his oh-so-sweet reality. Most of Campbell’s accomplishments are otherworldly, including track and field coach Dan Murray’s favorite highlight involving the senior standout. “Warner was our anchor leg and received the baton in last place in a field of 12 teams,” Murray recalled. “He fought his way out of being boxed-in, avoided a fallen-runner pile-up, and ran a 1:56.9 800 meters, hauling us up to mid-pack, which qualified us for the state meet by hundredths of seconds. It was like a scene from ‘The Matrix.’ “ After playing a starring role in indoor track, outdoor track and cross country all four years at First Flight, Campbell will be running for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte next year. The college scholarship he signed with the 49ers marked the continuation of a running journey that did not begin here at First Flight. Campbell attended Grassland Middle School in Franklin, Tennessee, before moving to the Outer Banks. “I didn’t have a fall sport and my sister did it, so I decided to do cross country and ended up being pretty good at it,” Campbell said. Campbell brought the success with him from Franklin, winning a 4x800 meter state championship in indoor and outdoor track as a freshman. That year, Campbell ran alongside Zach Hughes, Aidan May and Tyler Sylvia on the indoor relay team and Hughes,

Sylvia and Joseph Davidson on the outdoor relay team. Campbell’s continued success in high school mirrored the paths taken by the upperclassmen he ran with: Davidson runs cross country at the University of Tampa, Hughes competes in track and cross country at North Carolina State University, and Sylvia is running track and cross country at East Carolina University. Campbell’s third ring came in his sophomore year, winning the state championship for the 4x800 relay with Hughes, May and Max Bowlin, who runs cross country and track at Flagler College. Junior year, another 4x800 championship was won, this time with a different-looking team: Devon Coughlin, Bowlin and Henry Stecher, who runs cross country and track at Western Carolina University. Most recently, Campbell won his first individual state championship in the 1000-meter race during the 20212022 indoor track season. He dominated the event, finishing with a large enough cushion to throw his arms up in celebration at the finish line. “The fifth one was my favorite,” Campbell said. “I actually closed in and won the race and it wasn’t just a leg of a relay.” Campbell will look to continue his winning ways at Charlotte, which competes at the NCAA Division I level in Conference USA. “My top two choices were Appalachian State and Charlotte, but I enjoyed the city vibe at Charlotte and it brought me back to my Nashville roots,” Campbell said. “I really liked the campus and I got to meet some of the team and we blended well.” Charlotte will use Campbell in all three seasons: cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. His enthusiasm and uplifting personality will benefit the 49ers as much as his speed.

Photo by Jeff Sides/Milesplit

Running across the finish line, Warner Campbell takes first place at the winter indoor state track championships in the 1000 meters. Campbell collected his fifth ring at this event and will be looking for continued success on the track at Charlotte.

“Warner will thrive competing at the college level,” cross country and track coach Amy Denson said. “I feel like he’s just scratching the surface with his races this past year. But more than that, Warner will make a great teammate and leader. His positive attitude and genuine friendship (make it so) that Warner doesn’t have to convince his teammates to follow his lead. They just see his work ethic and appreciate who he is, and it makes them work hard, too.” Murray, who just joined the track program in December, has seen these

characteristics in Campbell as well. “It’s a gift when a coach has a No. 1 runner who is also the hardest worker on the team,” Murray said. “It’s clear that the young runners look up to him.” Really, there’s just one big question when it comes to Campbell: What’s he going to do with all that jewelry? “In college, I hope I can compete at conference and score points for my team and hopefully get some more rings,” he said. Senior Joey Krieg can be reached at 22kriegjo52@daretolearn.org.

Submitted Photos

Senior Warmer Campbell poses at his soon-to-be school, UNC Charlotte (left). The standout runner is looking forward to continuing his academic and athletic career at UNCC after winning five state championship titles throughout his FFHS career in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

TEAL out: Teal Echoes Amazing Love for Botson By Kayla Hallac and Maggie McNinch Editors-in-Chief

alking up to the lacrosse stands, you look left and right and see one color: Teal. Everywhere. This color, Gwen Botson’s favorite color, has become sentimental to the Outer Banks community. Botson, a 17-year-old junior, was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer this spring. Since this diagnosis, students and locals alike have bonded together in support. Botson’s journey started on an ordinary day. “It was a Sunday and we were waking up to go to church,” Botson said. “I got up like usual and went to my mom’s room to wake her up and she asked if I was feeling OK because I looked pale. I don’t usually tell people when I don’t feel good, so I said yes and went to step forward to go to the bathroom, and I fell forward and hit my head on the ground and passed out. I seized and then I just went limp and my hands and my feet curled, from what my dad told me.” After waking up covered in sweat, it took Botson a few moments to see, hear and figure out what was going on. Her mom was on the phone with 911 and then took her to the emergency room. “My red blood cell count was at a 5.5, where a normal level should be at 15 or higher. My white blood cell count was extremely low, and my iron count was basically zero,” Botson said. The doctors gave her a blood transfusion, and Botson sat in the hospital getting vitals checked and IV fluids for about eight hours. This was just the beginning. “After months of doctor appointments and blood tests and check-ups and trying different medicines, I finally started complaining about stomach pain,” Botson said. “We got a scan on my stomach and they found three tumors in my ovaries.” After getting a CT scan at VCU Medical Center to test the tumors, a few weeks went by before Botson and her family heard the results. “They confirmed it was Stage IV cancer, and that I had three tumors and three different types of cancers,” Botson said. “Then they started

talking about a plan, and they put together a cancer chemotherapy team for me.” Botson goes to Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk, Virginia, every week for labs, and every three weeks for chemotherapy. “Chemo has definitely been tough on my body, but every time I go in for chemo, it’s very nice,” Botson said. “I get my own room with a bathroom and a TV, and my mom and I bring in blankets and pillows.” Despite the nice amenities provided for chemo patients, there are still major downfalls that have weighed heavily on Botson. “They tell you that chemo breaks down your body, but they don’t tell you in what ways, like about the weird effects the different medications have,” Botson said. “Between the chemo, the Ibuprofen, the IV fluids, and the steroids, it all makes me fall asleep very easily, and then I wake up and I’m soaked in sweat. I sweat through all my clothes and blankets, so I always have to bring a suitcase and several bags.” Chemotherapy’s purpose is to attack cells that rapidly grow, in the hopes of killing the cancer cells. However, the treatment isn’t able to differentiate between the good cells and the bad cells, and so chemo also can harm healthy cells. It can also attack your skin cells, which is one of the effects that Botson is dealing with. “The skin on my hands, feet, back, and especially my nose and forehead, peels really bad,” Botson said. “I have to lotion and exfoliate a lot and really take care of my skin, and I’m trying really hard, but when you’re sick and you don’t want to get out of bed, it’s difficult.” Botson also has a hard time keeping food down and feels exhausted when she wakes up in the morning. She experiences hot flashes and has to take

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / sports

extra care of her teeth since chemotherapy affects bone growth. The biggest adjustment, though, has been getting used to life without hair. “Not having hair is weird,” Botson said. “Having to lotion my scalp and actually wash and exfoliate my scalp is so weird to me. And the fact that I have to think about having a weird sun tan on my head because I always wear beanies, that’s just so weird.” Through it all, Botson amazingly keeps moving forward – she’s been a valuable member of the lacrosse team and a familiar face in the surf at the beaches in Southern Shores. Botson tried out lacrosse when she was younger, but there weren’t enough girls to field a team, so it got disbanded. She revisited it in eighth grade, started playing for the high school team when she was a freshman, and has been playing ever since. “I played lacrosse this year in the fall and spring, and next year I will play on the travel team for fall, spring and summer, and I’ll do the school team in the spring,” Botson said. She enjoys joking around with her teammates, and lacrosse is something that brings her joy. “The long car rides, the harsh weather, the running together and being tired together, and the working and improving and pushing each other further and further just brings us all together,” Botson said. “It’s like a family and I

just love my sport – playing it and watching it.” Added senior lacrosse manager Tatum Love: “I really like being able to spend time with Gwen because we both can’t play lacrosse, so during games we sit next to each other, write down who scores, talk to each other and make fun of the other team.” The support of her lacrosse team, in combination with the support of the Outer Banks as a whole, has given Botson the fuel to continue pushing forward. “It showed me the amount of love our little community has, and the amount of people I have made an impact on,” Botson said. “I can’t even express the amount of gratitude and appreciation I have for my community, and for everyone who has done even the littlest things for me.” From the lacrosse team’s Stack ’em High pancake fundraiser to supportive comments on CaringBridge to seeing stickers everywhere that feature the teal logo of the girl on her surfboard, the list of efforts people have taken to support Botson is lengthy. “I don’t even know how to explain how grateful I am for the amount of people who showed up and offered help and started the GoFundMes, the videos, the MealTrain, the Care Carts, the pancake breakfasts, the praying, the lacrosse game things, the sticker sales, just everything,” Botson said. Some of the main supporters of Botson are her best

friends, including junior Ava Norko. “I like how fearless she is,” Norko said. “She’s never really been afraid of anything.” Another friend, junior Laney Dexter, added: “She can make you smile no matter what. Even though she’s going through something really terrible, she finds the best in it.” Boston’s support is not limited to her small community, however; foundations worldwide have noticed Botson’s rare condition and are working to make differences in her life. “I’m a ‘Make a Wish’ kid due to how rare and weird my cancer is, so I get to make a wish and I thought about it, and ever since I was little, I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii,” Botson said. “So I picked that and I get to go to Hawaii in the next year.” The many adventures that Botson has to look forward to will be a positive in this tough time. That positivity and love will continue shining, not in red, but the color teal that echoes an amazing love for Botson. “I can’t even imagine where me and my family would be without this community, and I just wanted to thank everyone and I hope everyone knows how much we appreciate it,” Botson said. Senior Kayla Hallac can be reached at 22hallacka85@ daretolearn.org. Senior Maggie McNinch can be reached at 22McNinchma07@daretolearn.org. Submitted Photo

Standing alongside her family, Gwen Botson surrounds herself with a loving support system. Botson’s family has been by her side for every step of treatment and continues to hold her up.

Senior Night: the most bittersweet of traditions

By Noah Kinnisten Sports Editor

f you were to do something for all of your youth – be it a sport or band – the last time you take the stage, you would want it to be a big deal, right? That is where Senior Night comes in. Senior Night is a custom in high school in which the sport’s senior athletes get the chance to be recognized one last time, just before they may have to quit doing one thing that they love and hold very dear. For many, it is a moment that will never be forgotten, as it recognizes the last time an athlete will ever compete on a field or court or track with people they developed strong bonds with throughout many years together. “Senior Night was amazing,” softball player Mckenzie Baker said. “I have loved playing with these girls for four years.” Senior Night also exemplifies all of the painstaking effort these student-athletes have put forward during their time as a Nighthawk. “It felt good to be recognized for all the hard work that I’ve put in throughout the years,” track team member Aiden Pipkin said. Across the board for most people, though, it is a heart-warming (but also heart-breaking) mix of euphoria and sadness. “Senior Night was bittersweet, almost,” senior lacrosse player Neely Morris said. “I was happy to be recognized for playing the last few years and finally getting ready to go to college, but I was upset since this will be the last season I play with Liz (Clagett).” One team in particular has a Senior Night tradition passed down throughout the years to make its seniors feel a little extra special during their recognitions.

“We made posters for our seniors,” junior soccer player Ava Norko said. “To come up with their posters, we used their strengths and incorporated them into nicknames for each of them. A few of them were ‘Run Maggie run,’ ‘Hadley Hedges is a bruisa,’ and ‘Watch out for Mia Albright #8.’ ” Getting the opportunity to be acknowledged one last time compels the athletes being recognized to look back on all the good memories that playing their sport gave them. “I’m going to miss the people and the long bus rides together to away games,” Morris said. “It’s going to be sad not playing with my teammates anymore, especially Liz since we’ve played year-round together for the last four years, and so it’ll be different being so far apart.” Baseball senior Greer Farr echoed similar thoughts: “I am really just going to miss the boys. It’s going to suck from going to seeing my best friends every day at practice to not seeing them for months.” Added Pipkin: “I will always miss being part of the team. And I’m going to miss going to big competitions because it is fun to run against a lot of people.” It’s not just a sad moment for those leaving, but also those being left at the same time. “I’m really going to miss when Maggie (McNinch) gets angry on the field because it’s really funny to see her so mad,” Norko said. “I’m going to miss Hadley (Hedges) and when she just says the funniest things at the randomest times. And then Mia (Albright) being really sweet, of course. It was very bittersweet hearing their names being announced. We were really happy for them, but it was also really sad to see them out there, leaving us.” Of course, Senior Night isn’t all about getting your name called over

Photos by Taylor Newton/Nighthawk News

The girls soccer team seniors show off their senior gifts and the seniors on the baseball team (below) line up for Senior Night with their families. Senior Nights are a long-held tradition that many seniors look forward to year after year.

the speakers and walking out with family members. There’s still a game to play, and with the bigger crowd being there to offer its support, it always feels nice when the seniors show out. “It felt really nice to score on Senior Night,” lacrosse player Dylan Byard said. “With my parents, grandparents and friends with a poster for me there, that one was extra nice.”

After all, Senior Night is about giving the top dogs of the school their swan song. “Senior Night was kind of sad because I was realizing that my senior season was coming to an end,” Farr said. “But it did feel good seeing everyone that loves me there.” Senior Noah Kinnisten can be reached at 22kinnistenno93@daretolearn.org.

Colleges offer options

By Abigail Haber Staff Writer

tudent athletes who are graduating this year face a big question for continuing their sports: If only 2 percent of high school athletes are good enough to earn college scholarships, does that mean their days of competition are over? Fortunately, many colleges offer different options for athletes, like club sports or intramural leagues. Club sports are generally more organized and competitive, with some schools offering to help pay for equipment, coaching and even some travel. In contrast, intramurals tend to be less formal, similar to what FFHS students can experience at Parks and Rec. “Club is perfect for me because I still get Submitted Photo to play the sport I love,” said ECU club soccer FFHS alumna Ava O’Neill (middle) messes around after a game with some of player Illiana Jauregui, who was a standout in her teammates she met while playing club soccer at East Carolina University. the FFHS soccer program prior to graduating

last year. “I get to have fun and not stress about the strict rules and schedules like the actual sports teams.” Club sports can offer student-athletes the opportunity to formally play sports without the intensity of NCAA sports. Club sports may seem unofficial compared to those who are on scholarship, but they can actually be very similar in certain aspects, including travel and a ranking system. Senior Fiona Finchem enjoys a lot of the benefits that club sports have to offer and is planning on playing club volleyball during the next few years at NC State. “I never realized that they actually got to travel and also get the team aspect of it,” Finchem said. “I can keep playing just enough that it’s competitive but not too competitive. I’ll still have fun while doing it.” Scholarship-level sports are more rigorous and intense than club sports and can be an athlete’s gateway to playing professionally.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Hop across the pond up next for Sanchez

By Colin Byard Staff Writer

or most seniors, going abroad for college immediately after graduating high school is pretty rare. Especially for a junior who is graduating early. However, for Hugo Sanchez, this next step is inching closer and closer to reality. Sanchez isn’t just planning a vacation to Ireland this summer: He’s visiting to get a taste of what life might be like should he choose to live abroad. Sanchez is considering several unique options for next year, from studying architecture at the University College Dublin or culinary at Technological University Dublin. He also might work a part-time job or have an internship while pursuing a degree. His passion for soccer isn’t at an end, either, as Sanchez dreams of continuing his soccer career during his next chapter overseas. Soccer, or “football” as it is called in Europe, is extremely popular and

Sanchez hopes to have the opportunity to compete against top-level players. “A big passion of mine is soccer and I cannot wait to play on a continent that is notorious for (loving) the game,” Sanchez said. “Ireland, especially in Dublin, has many clubs and opportunities to play soccer, so I am really excited to continue. It doesn’t matter what level I play at as long as I get to play.” Sanchez is already somewhat familiar with Ireland purely because of his love of soccer. It’s something that helped him consider this potential future abroad. “I have learned about Irish culture through soccer and studied some geography, pictures and jobs in my area to get a feeling,” Sanchez said “So far it seems pretty suitable if I continue to save money over this coming summer.” Sanchez won’t be alone in this potential overseas adventure, as he has an uncle and aunt who have lived in Ireland for 10 years and will be able to show him around.

“My aunt and uncle offered to let me stay as long as I stay productive in the outskirts of Dublin in Sandycove,” Sanchez said. Sanchez is known as an ambitious and hard-working personality who credits his parents for giving him “this connection and opportunity.” The ambience of Europe and ability to experience new things has been a driving force in his pursuit of this dream. “I’m looking forward to having a different atmosphere, meeting new people and cultures,” Sanchez said. “Not saying that I am not happy in the United States, I just want to travel.” Still, don’t think Sanchez is gone for good. He still plans on coming back home to the Outer Banks often so that he can visit all of his friends and family. “I have lived on the Outer Banks for 15-plus years,” Sanchez said “I cannot just leave it all behind.” Senior Colin Byard can be reached at 22byardco55@daretolearn.org. Photos by Taylor Newton/ Nighthawk News

Senior Hugo Sanchez goes after the ball during a soccer game this past fall and visits with teammates from the bench. Sanchez plans to go to Ireland this summer to decide whether or not he wants to continue his academic and athletic career abroad.

for staying on the field after high school Many First Flight seniors have official scholarship offers to play collegiate-level sports at their future homes, including Liz Clagett, who has signed to play lacrosse at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. “I think it’s a good option for me because it’ll keep me busy and keep me from going down the wrong paths,” Clagett said. “I hope that I can grow as a player.” Collegiate sports challenge people to work not only on their sport, but themselves, too. Time management, preparedness and prioritization are all things an athlete needs for the demands of NCAA-sanctioned collegiate sports. On the other side of the spectrum opposite collegiate sports are intramural leagues. These provide college students the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports – even unusual NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / sports

ones like sand volleyball and pickleball – and compete against their peers in a friendly environment. According to UNC-Chapel Hill’s Campus Rec, for example, “No experience is required to participate in Intramural Sports and registration is available to all students and members.” FFHS alumnus and recent Chapel Hill graduate Matt McKenna played intramural sports in college and experienced a team aspect and competitiveness while playing at a casual level. “I played on a coed flag football team at Chapel Hill,” McKenna said. “My team was always incredibly supportive and while it was laid-back, at the end of the day everyone is just in it to better each other.” Sophomore Abigail Haber can be Submitted Photo reached at 24haberab93@daretolearn. FFHS alumnae Illiana Jauregui and Ava O’Neill take a team photo with their newfound org. friends on the club soccer team at ECU.

Gardill scores goal of college-level lacrosse and military career Submitted Photo Senior Nick Gardill signs to continue his lacrosse career at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Nick Gardill - U.S. Coast Guard Academy - Lacrosse Why the U.S. Coast Guard Academy? Because from the moment I stepped on campus it felt like home, and I have the opportunity to play lacrosse and serve my country. I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity. What are some of your freshman year hopes? I hope to excel in the classroom and make an impact on the field.

What is your favorite Nighthawk memory? Being a part of the greatest team First Flight’s lacrosse program has ever had. What are you most excited about playing your sport at college? Being challenged. I’ll be playing against grown men, so it’s going to be a lot harder, so I have to learn new ways to play the game.

What is your intended major? Management

– Reporting by Joey Krieg, Business Manager

Scarborough bumps to next level of collegiate volleyball Jordyn Scarborough - Pfeiffer University Volleyball Why Pfeiffer University? It was a smaller school that I can play volleyball for and felt more like home than the other ones I toured.

What is your favorite Nighthawk memory? Probably my senior prom. It was fun and I had a good time.

What are some of your freshman year hopes? To have a good season and just do well in classes.

What are you most excited about playing your sport at college? Kind of just building another relationship with different kids at the older level with different experiences from different places.

What is your intended major? Accounting – I have a weird love for math, so I figured I should put it to use.

– Reporting by Mackenzie Edwards, Sports Editor

Photo by Maren Ingram/Nighthawk News Senior Jordyn Scarborough poses with her college-themed balloons after signing to attend Pfeiffer University as a student-athlete next year.

Marino shoots big for D-II soccer career at Coker University Dominic Marino - Coker University - Soccer Why Coker University? I really liked the coach and the team when I went there. Coker also has a good business school, which is what I want to major in.

What is your favorite Nighthawk memory? When we went to Wake Forest the summer before my sophomore year for a soccer camp.

What are some of your freshman year hopes? Mainly just to get some playing time and make some new friends from different places. There are some French guys on the team, so I’m looking forward to hanging out and talking to them.

What are you most excited about playing your sport at college? Having new experiences and being on a new team. Soccer is going to be even more competitive, so I’m really looking forward to getting better and playing at that higher level.

What is your intended major? Business

– Reporting by Maggie McNinch, Editor-in-Chief

Photo by Dani Alfaro/Shorelines Yearbook Senior Dominic Marino prepares to trap the ball. Marino will be continuing his academic and soccer career at Coker University next year.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022

Mann hits her way to Salem College Bella Mann - Salem College - Volleyball Why Salem College? I wanted to go to Salem because of the campus and also because of the volleyball coach. He really had a huge impact on my decision.

What is your favorite Nighthawk memory? My favorite memory would have to be during volleyball when I went to kick a ball and missed it and fell over it.

What are some of your freshman year hopes? I hope that I find a really good friend group and also that I have a great season with my new team.

What are you most excited about playing your sport at college? I’m excited to meet new people and continue the sport that I love.

What is your intended major? I hope to major in pre-med, but that is still undecided.

– Reporting by Arden Carlyle, Submitted Photo Staff Writer Senior Bella Mann smiles with her family after signing her commitment to continue playing volleyball at Salem College.

Gargol pins down opportunity to begin collegiate career Milosz Gargol - Montreat College - Wrestling Why Montreat College? I love the location. It’s an hour and a half from Boone and 20 minutes from Asheville. What are some of your freshman year hopes? To get All-American. What is your intended major? Exercise Science

Photo by Maren Ingram/Nighthawk News Senior Milosz Gargol makes his commitment to Montreat College where he will continue his wrestling career.

What is your favorite Nighthawk memory? Winning the regional champion-

ship. We were in first place going into the final match. We needed Currituck to lose to South Brunswick and we got together for the match and when the Currituck kid lost, it was the best team moment I think we had. What are you most excited about playing your sport at college? Traveling and getting to experience higher-level competition. – Reporting by Joey Krieg, Business Manager

Pugh races to continue running career at Virginia Wesleyan Madison Pugh - Virginia Wesleyan University - Track Why Virginia Wesleyan University? I didn’t have this school in mind until I got an offer, but I’m so excited to continue my education and athletic career with them.

What is your favorite Nighthawk memory? My favorite Nighthawk memory would probably be the Homecoming parade and pep rally.

What are some of your freshman year hopes? I hope to meet some new people and go to some activities on campus.

What are you most excited about playing your sport at college? I’m most excited about getting to see and compete against higher-level schools.

What is your intended major? My intended major is exercise science and a minor in nutrition.

– Reporting by Mackenzie Edwards, Sports Editor

Submitted Photo Senior Madison Pugh takes the lead during a summer running camp in Asheville. Pugh will be attending Virginia Wesleyan University and will continue her track career.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / sports

First Flight Sports Spotlight: Q&A with

Cole Eldridge

Bella Cooper

Joey Krieg

Ella Samson

Senior

How long have you been playing baseball? 12 years. What are you going to miss the most? I’m going to miss riding the bus home after getting a big win and celebrating.

How long have you been playing softball? I started playing softball when I was 10 because my sister played and my brother played baseball.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I played sophomore year, but we hardly had any games because of COVID, so this was my ﬁrst full season.

What are you going to miss the What’s your favorite part about most? Playoff games. playing? I like practicing and hanging out with the team every day. I also really What’s your favorite part about enjoy traveling because of the bus rides. What is your favorite part about playing? Making kids look silly. your sport? My favorite part about What is your favorite thing to baseball is that the game is never truly What is your favorite thing to do do before a game? My freshman year over until the last out. when I didn’t have my license, my sister before a game? Listen to frat mashWhere is your favorite place to would drive me and a bunch of the oth- ups with the boys. eat before/after a game? Favorite er underclassmen players and we would What is your favorite part about place to eat before a game is Kevin’s go to The Spot after school before the your sport? I grew up playing hockey, gas station and after a game is Chickgames. and lacrosse has similar energy. fil-A. What is your favorite part about Where is your favorite place to What’s your favorite memory your sport? I love the connections eat before/after a game? Hungry playing your sport? My favorite mem- and friendships I have made through dogs eat best – Coach Van Lunen… but ory was hitting a grand slam in Manteo softball. Jersey Mike’s. and jogging around the basepath. What player (teammate, college What player (teammate, college If you became a millionaire by or pro) do you look up to the most or pro) do you look up to the most age 20, what would you do with it? and why? I look up to Emma Richards and why? Dylan Byard, Nick Gardill because she is so good at pitching but Make sure my parents have everything and Cam Van Lunen are so filthy. I love they need and then buy a house and car. never gets stressed out and she never watching them play. gets in a bad mood. No matter what, If you could have dinner with any she’s smiling and unphased. What’s your favorite memory three people (living or dead), who playing your sport? Going to the What’s your favorite memory would it be? Michael Jordan, Kevin playing your sport? My favorite mem- state championship. Hart and Neil Armstrong. ory from softball is my seventh-grade What is your dream job and What is your favorite holiday? year. I had the most fun that year why? Steven A. Smith’s job, specifiWhy? My favorite holiday is Thanksbecause I had to try out and was so exgiving because I get to stuff my face cited when I found out I made the team. cally. There was also no pressure because it with food and see all of my family. If you became a millionaire by was middle school. We ended up being age 20, what would you do with it? What is your biggest pet peeve? undefeated. Buy the Southern Shores plaza and People talking during a movie. make it not ugly. What is a lifelong dream of What’s your favorite TV show? yours? To live in Europe after I graduWhat is your favorite holiday? “Breaking Bad” or “The Office” – ate college. Why? If you don’t say Christmas, they’re both masterpieces. you’re lying. Best teacher ever? Why? I think Best teacher ever? Why? The best Mr. Richards is the best teacher. He’s Go-to karaoke song. Anything by teacher I’ve ever had is my father. He’s very smart and does a lot for his stutaught me everything I know in the real dents. I can tell he really enjoys his job, Kanye West. world. too.

How long have you been playing lacrosse? I have been playing for three years. What’s your favorite part about playing? Getting to spend time with my friends. What is your favorite thing to do before a game? Listen to music. Where is your favorite place to eat before/after a game? Chick-ﬁl-A. What player (teammate, college or pro) do you look up to the most and why? Therese (Schiba) because she is the best on the team and she’s really good at what she does. What’s your favorite memory playing your sport? Everyone coming together for Tatum Love and Gwen Botson. What is your biggest pet peeve? People that talk too much. What is a lifelong dream of yours? To go to space. What’s your favorite TV show? “Criminal Minds.” What’s the best movie you’ve ever seen? “The Lovely Bones.” Best teacher ever? Why? Ms. Gard: She’s the best because she’s personable and she actually takes the time to get to know her students. What’s your favorite beach access? Why do you like it? Hillcrest, because it’s private. If you could be any animal, what would it be? Why? Probably a bee, so I could ﬂy.

NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / spring / / 2022

Nighthawk spring student-athletes

Noah Adams

Tina Hempfer

Senior

How long have you been running track? Since middle school. What are you going to miss the most? All the friends I’ve made through track. What’s your favorite part about the sport? Definitely the meets and just getting to hang out with everyone there. Where is your favorite place to eat before/after a game? We usually hit Chick-fil-A or Panera on the way back. Those are definitely the best. What’s your favorite memory playing your sport? Cheering all my friends on and just running during meets, especially the conference ones. If you became a millionaire by age 20, what would you do with it? Probably normal millionaire stuff: Buy a big house and donate a bunch of the money. And also adopt a bunch of animals. What is a lifelong dream of yours? Travel the world. Best teacher ever? Why? Mrs. Anderson, because she’s just a great teacher and is always so nice. What’s your favorite beach access? Why do you like it? Martin Street, because that’s where all my friends meet in the summer. If you could be any animal, what would it be? Why? Probably a dog. I just feel like it would be exciting.

How long have you been on the track team? Since my freshman year. I started in New York at my old school and then transferred here for outdoor and indoor. What are you going to miss the most? Probably the people in ﬁeld events. Track is a singular sport, but a lot of the girls are very close. Every time somebody throws, we all cheer each other. What is your favorite thing to do before a meet? Me and the girls usually drink a lot of caffeine and we listen to music. Where is your favorite place to eat before/after a meet? Panera, every time. What’s your favorite memory playing your sport? The last conference meet. My last meet competing ever was really emotional. What is your favorite holiday? Why? Halloween. I’m a creative person. I like dressing up and having fun. What is your biggest pet peeve? Either chewing with your mouth open or liars. What is a lifelong dream of yours? Being happy and stable in life. What’s a fun fact about yourself? I can do the splits, and I can touch my thumb to my wrist. Best teacher ever? Mrs. Linehan is pretty amazing.

Evan Foster

Mia Albright

Senior

How long have you been playing golf? Two years.

How long have you been playing soccer? 13 years.

What are you going to miss the most? Competing with our team at matches.

What are you going to miss the most? I am deﬁnitely going to miss my teammates. I have played with Maggie and Hadley all through middle and high school and have many great memories with them.

What’s your favorite part about playing golf? Trying to improve my game. What player do you look up to the most and why? Probably Hunter Braithwaite or Nick Bernard, because they are both very consistent with their game. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas, because I get to spend time with family. If you could have dinner with any three people (living or dead), who would it be? Tiger Woods, Barack Obama and Lil Uzi Vert. What is your biggest pet peeve? Chewing with your mouth open.

What’s your favorite part about playing? My favorite part is the feeling after scoring a goal. Everyone is super excited and it’s a huge adrenaline rush. What player (teammate, college or pro) do you look up to the most and why? Maggie McNinch: She always works hard and is committed to the team and encourages everyone to do their best. What’s your favorite memory playing your sport? My favorite memory was at practice when Mr. Mount commentated our scrimmage. It was really funny.

What is a lifelong dream of yours? Getting a job that I really enjoy.

If you became a millionaire by age 20, what would you do with it? I would take a vacation somewhere tropical and donate some.

Best teacher ever? Why? Ms. Deal was very nice and her class was more interactive.

What is a lifelong dream of yours? My lifelong dream is to graduate vet school.

If you could be any animal, what would it be? Why? Shark, so I can explore the ocean.

What’s a fun fact about yourself? A fun fact about me is that I love to water ski.

Go-to karaoke song? “California Girls.”

Best teacher ever? Why? Mr. Richards. He is always willing to help.

Photos by Taylor Newton and Mark Buckler Reporting by Stella Bryson, Fiona Finchem, Callie Honeycutt, Joey Krieg, Maren Ingram, Maggie McNinch, Michael Pearson and Olivia Sugg NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / sports

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NIGHTHAWK News Magazine / / summer / / 2022