Hall sets example of devotion, giving
By JONATHAN WARREN
Charles Hall (“CJ” to those who know him) is not your typical leader. He is not described as charismatic, outspoken or powerful. He is not the Student Government Association President or the valedictorian or even the class clown. Yet Hall has qualities that are often lost in the power and pride that come with being a leader, qualities that make him the most influential senior of the year.
“Being friends with CJ really challenges you to live up to his personal standards. He’s so great that he makes you want to be great,” Ava Lane, a personal friend and bandmate of Hall’s, said.
Rather than giving his time half-heartedly to several clubs and activities, Hall chooses his activities carefully and then fully devotes himself to them, like in his music. Hall has been in the school band for four years. He has played in both the Rose and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades and is the captain of the Sound of the Braves.
“He strives to be the best at whatever he’s imvolved in. He shows how to be a quality leader by leading by example,” Band Director Michael Butler said.
But band isn’t the only area where Hall has taken the lead. Hall carries a passion for volunteering that can be uncharacteristic of a high schooler. In middle school, Hall became involved in Relay for Life, an organization that raises money for cancer research and has been involved ever since.
Hall is the vice chair for the Relay for Life event being held on campus May 14. He helps manage the budget, the itinerary and the lineup for the night, as well as fundraising.
Hall has recently devoted his Saturdays to hosting garage sales for Relay for Life. He gives up to 12 hours a week to volunteering, which is divided between Relay for Life and New Beginning Pet Rescue, a non-profit animal rescue and adoption center that advocates “no kill.”
“I wanted to help [at New Beginning] because the shelters were overcrowded after the hurricanes,” Hall said.
His passion for animals has also led him to an internship as a veterinary assistant with a local veterinarian. He works three to four days a week.
“CJ brings a certain amount of energy and enthusiasm to the job. When you have someone that’s excited working around you, it brings back your own love for the profession,” Dr. Robert Porter, owner of
Conway Veterinary Hospital, said.
Hall will attend the University of Florida in the fall to major in zoology and pursue his passion in veterinary medicine.
As if Hall’s schedule wasn’t full enough, he also works 15 to 20 hours a week at Universal Studios.
“I prioritize my time between school, work and volunteering. I fill the first two obligations and then fill the rest of my time with volunteering,” Hall said.
In his free time-when Hall isn’t supporting cancer research, saving animals’ lives or maintaining a 4.41 weighted GPA-he likes to stilt walk and makes balloon animals at community events.
“I think if CJ works hard, he can do anything he wants to do; he has the intelligence and drive to be successful in many areas. I think he’s limited only by what he wants to do,” Porter said.
Beliefs guide junior’s character, involvement
By CATHERINE PORTER
At first glance, she is an entirely unassuming person. An athletic-looking girl of average height with light brown hair, there is no outward characteristic that would lead one to grasp the scope of her influence. Yet the school, local community and even world feels the impact of this junior’s actions everyday.
“Because she is looked up to, she gives hope to a declining society; she doesn’t give into societal expectations. She definitely embodies influential leadership qualities because she respects herself, so other people respect her,” senior James Parker, captain of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, said.
Member of the Business Professionals of America, player on the water polo team, SAFE ambassador, FCA leader and future secretary of the Senior Class, junior Alexa Rossi is active in multiple areas of the school in addition to holding a 4.67 weighted GPA.
“[Alexa] is very involved; she is a strong leader and shows diversity in that she’s not just involved in FCA, [she’s involved in many activities]. [Alexa’s actions] encourage others to be involved,” Sarah Kittrell, Senior Class sponsor, said.
Rossi believes her influential traits are the product of her upbringing. A twin in a five-person family, much of her childhood was devoted to building a firm foundation in Christianity.
“My parents have always been very supportive. They raised me in a way that encouraged me to find who I am and stick to [that person],” Rossi said. “I realize that this life is much greater than myself. I try to live [it] knowing that everything is much greater than me; we’re all part of a story that none of us have control of. I just do my best to make a difference.”
Rossi impacts the local community as well. She currently leads a sophomore girls’ bible study and strives to positively impact those around her, such as sophomore Margaret Dukes.
“[The bible studies] have given me a group of girls to hold me accountable and walk with me in my Christian faith. Alexa is always there for me,” Dukes said.
Recently, Rossi spoke to leaders at the First Presbyterian Church of Downtown Orlando to plan a mission trip to Africa. Rossi prepared and presented a proposal for the trip to adult church leaders to gain approval and funds. Through her efforts, high school students who are members of FPCO will aid a community in Kenya over the summer.
“She impacts the global community as well. [Alexa is] planning the entire trip; It’s more than just her going along, she’s actually showing initiative [by planning the mission trip],” Parker said.
As Rossi looks to the future, she hopes to continue building relationships with people, no matter the profession she chooses to pursue.
“I have a passion for people, whether it’s in the mission field, Africa or America, I just know that I want to work with people. My relationships are really just a product of me being interested in other peoples’ lives,” Rossi said. “Being an influential person is not just abstaining from doing wrong things; it’s about reaching out, taking initiative and caring.”
Athlete’s activities make impact
By RASHAD HARDING
From cross country to tennis to tutoring, Caroline Coleman maintains a 4.8 weighted GPA while remaining involved in school and community activities.
“I try to help others as much as I can. There are other ways to help others and not have an actual title,” Coleman said.
She is an example of athleticism on both the cross country course and tennis court. Coleman made the varsity cross country team as a sophomore with no previous experience in the sport. She has also played on the varsity tennis team for two years. Coleman placed thirteenth at the cross country district meet and helped the tennis team reach the region semifinals.
“She excels in all this stuff and still remains humble. She is at the top of her class and shows her ability to manage time. She excels in her sports, and she has great character skills. She is always doing something. I predict she will be in the school’s hall of fame,” coach Paul Katauskas said.
Coleman has a total of 165 community service hours. For two years, Coleman has been volunteering with the Upward Basketball camp, a program at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, where she coaches elementary children and teaches them ethical behaviors. She also volunteers in the sports medicine program on campus.
Coleman takes great pleasure in whatever she does whether it is academics and sports or tutoring and coaching young children.
Over spring break, Coleman tutored a fellow student who was absent due to surgery. Coleman also helps at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando during the summer and is the event coordinator for Best Buddies on campus.
“I try to help others and encourage my peers during their academic endeavors, from tutoring to helping out in class, and I’m always respectful and helpful to my teachers,” Coleman said
Coleman does so much for society and help ing others realize their true potential by showing them the right path to a successful future. Her philosophy on working hard and being involved is a simple one.
“Love what you do,” Coleman said.
Coleman plans to continue her dedication to athletics, academics and charity in the years to come.
Student’s positivity is boundless
By COOPER BROCK
A freshman cheerleader who actively participates in community service and keeps an unweighted 4.0 grade point average, still manages to find time in her schedule to do her part in keeping high school a comfortable place for everybody. Taking this into consideration, it’s no wonder why Cameron McNeill is recieving the Most Influential Person award for the ninth grade.
“She’s very upbeat,” freshman Alexandra Clayton said. “She makes everybody smile because her happiness is contagious,”
Over the past year, McNeill has accumulated a total of 26 hours of community service. During the winter, she collected and donated clothing to keep the homeless warm and served food at a North Carolina homeless shelter while visiting her family. Her mother and cousins helped her collect Christmas trees and decorate them for people who couldn’t afford them.
“Although [gathering and decorating Christmas trees] doesn’t sound like a large task, it takes a lot of us and it’s one way for us to give back,” McNeill said.
McNeill has found a way to keep perfect GPA with three honors and one Advanced Placement course while participating in freshman cheerleading. McNeil admits that while maintaining her grades is difficult, the feeling of achievement that comes with the grades is far greater than the amount of work it requires.
“I love cheer, but I understand that grades take priority,” McNeill said.
Because she knows that school is tough for everyone, teachers included, McNeill says she does her best to keep a positive energy in the classroom. When she sees somebody down on their luck, she always tries to find the right thing to say.
“ [McNeill] is extremely intelligent, very mature and very kind. She has it all going for her,”AP Human Geography teacher Suzanne Unger said.
McNeill has nailed the three pillars of criteria for this award: community service, academic achievement and character. She credits her position to her friends and family, who have supported her throughout the year.
“I respect my peers by accepting and embracing our differences, encouraging success in every aspect, and broadcasting the fact that I am a friend to anyone who needs it,” McNeill said.