WEST COLUMBIA, SC -- If you don’t know Airport High senior Christopher Staley, you probably will in the not-too-distant future.
Staley, who is heading to Duke University on a full scholarship this fall, plans to make a career in politics.
“After finishing college, I will be campaigning for the State Legislature,” said Staley, who has served as Student Government president, Beta Club president and played sports at Airport.
That kind of focus is seen across members of Lexington Two’s Class of 2018, many of whom not only have made lasting contributions at their high schools -- in academics, the arts, sports, and service -- but promise to do more of the same in the years ahead.
In advance of Lexington Two’s high school graduations -- Brookland-Cayce on Monday, June 4, and Airport on Tuesday, June 5 -- we talked with 10 graduating seniors about their schools, who inspires them, and what the future holds.
AIRPORT HIGH
CHRISTOPHER STALEY
Extracurricular activities: Student Government president, Beta Club president, National Honor Society, teacher cadet, football, track
Post-graduation plans: Duke University (scholarship)
Major: Public policy
What kind of career/job do you hope to pursue?: U.S. Senator
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.
Most influential teacher: Daniel Bailey. His willingness to help is unlike any other, and his wisdom exceeds his years.
High school achievement you're most proud of: The many strong friendships I’ve made that will carry on for the rest of my life.
What can we expect to hear about you doing in 10 years?: After finishing college, I will be campaigning for a position in the State Legislature.
One thing people might not know about me is … I have a sister who also attends Duke University.
JOY WHITE
Extracurricular activities: Golden Talon JROTC drill team, honors chorus, SC National Guard basic training graduate
Post-graduation plans: Coker College (scholarship)
Major: Dance
What kind of career/job do you hope to pursue?: Dance and choreography
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: No matter how many times you fail, through motivation and hard work, you can achieve anything.
Most influential teacher: CSM Harry Ferguson, because he always believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He was more than a teacher to me --he was a motivator, and he was family.
High school achievement you're most proud of: The Golden Talon JROTC drill team winning second in the nation, and being able to sing the National Anthem at Nationals.
What can we expect to hear about you doing in 10 years?: I hope to have graduated from Juilliard and be performing on Broadway.
One thing people don’t know about me is ... One day I want to be on “America’s Got Talent.”
JESSIE CHESTNUT
Extracurricular activities: Beta Club, National Honor Society, Student Government, volleyball
Post-graduation plans: University of Alabama
Major: Interior design (minor in business)
What kind of career/job do you hope to pursue?: Interior designer
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: Stay focused.
Most influential teacher: Tiffany Jones, because she’s always been a helpful, caring, great role model -- always checked on me throughout my journey.
High school achievement you're most proud of: Becoming Beta Club vice president, because it was my first real leadership role.
What can we expect to hear about you doing in 10 years?: Running my own interior design firm and doing a large amount of charity work in my hometown of Cayce.
One thing people don’t know about me is ... I work extremely well under pressure.
MADISON DINKINS
Extracurricular activities: Competition cheer, sideline cheer, Beta Club, National Honor Society
Post graduation plans: College of Charleston (scholarship)
Major: Psychiatry
What kind of career/job do you hope to pursue?: Psychiatrist
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: You can do anything that you put your mind to.
Most influential teacher: Linda Goodwin. She made her classroom like a second home for everyone. She was always someone I could go talk to and was like another mother to me.
High school achievement you're most proud of: Receiving the Best of Philanthropy Student Award.
What can we expect to hear about you doing in 10 years?: I would like for my nonprofit to grow; I would like to attend medical school to further my psychiatry education; and I would like to own my own practice.
One thing people don’t know about me is ... I have my own nonprofit organization, The Birthday Box. I put boxes of gifts in children’s shelters for when someone has a birthday!
LARRY GAINES
Extracurricular activities: Student Government, Special Olympics volunteer, reading volunteer at Congaree/Wood Early Childhood Center, Winterfest volunteer, active in church
Post-graduation plans: University of South Carolina (scholarship)
Major: Education (history)
What kind of career/job do you hope to pursue?: Middle school history teacher
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: Stay involved.
Most influential teacher: Daniel Bailey. He taught me how to lead and how to be led. He’s also one of the reasons i would like to be a history teacher.
High school achievement you're most proud of: Being selected as Mr. Eagle.
What can we expect to hear about you doing in 10 years?: Probably will be Teacher of the Year.
One thing people don’t know about me is ... I was adopted in 2014 by Gloria and Luther Cokley
BROOKLAND-CAYCE HIGH
ARIANNA FULLER
Extracurricular activities: Varsity soccer, Math Honor Society, National Honor Society president, reading, working
Post-graduation plans: University of South Carolina (scholarship)
Major: English
What kind of career/job do you hope to pursue?: Law
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: If it is supposed to work out, it will.
Most influential teacher: Lynn Summer. Year after year, she has been an advocate for my success. She bends over backwards to provide her students with the resources they need to be successful while simultaneously teaching us the true value of hard work.
High school achievement you're most proud of: Being selected for the Bearcat Award my junior and senior year soccer seasons -- most proud, because it recognizes how hard I have worked for my team.
What can we expect to hear about you doing in 10 years?: Hopefully beginning my career in family law.
One thing people might not know about me is ... I love to write. Writing is my first love!
NATHAN WALTON
Extracurricular activities: Swimming, National Honor Society, Special Olympics volunteer
Post-graduation plans: University of South Carolina (scholarship)
Major: International business (minor in Chinese)
What kind of career/job do you hope to pursue?: Still considering
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: Have your friends and stick with them.
Most influential teacher: Christopher Simpson. He taught me in three classes and has helped influence the way I think and problem solve.
High school achievement you're most proud of: State championship in swimming
What can we expect to hear about you doing in 10 years?: Not sure
One thing people don’t know about me is ... I tell a lot of dad jokes.
MICAH AEBISCHER
Extracurricular activities: Varsity golf team captain, Mock Trial team, National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Latin Club, Student Body vice president, Class of 2018 vice president, Redeemer Lutheran Church youth group
Post-graduation plans: Clemson University (scholarship)
Major: Biology
What kind of career/job do you hope to pursue?: Pediatrician or cardiologist
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: You only get four years at Brookland Cayce -- take advantage of every moment that you have and get as involved as possible.
Most influential teacher: Terry Boone, because he has shown me that it is possible to do what you love for a living. He also has shown me that it is important to take important things seriously but to have a good sense of humor about things that won’t matter as much.
High school achievement you're most proud of: Being elected Student Body vice president, because I was honored to be chosen as a leader by my peers.
What can we expect to hear about you doing in 10 years?: I hope to be in residency, be married to a woman I can call my best friend, and be starting to think about starting a family. I’m not sure where I will be living, but I am not opposed to seeing other parts of the country.
One thing people might not know about me is … I’ve visited every major city in the United States except for Houston, which I will visit this summer.
COLLEEN GUSEMAN
Extracurricular activities: Theater, chorus
Post-graduation plans: Winthrop University
Major: Music education or music performance
What kind of career/job do you hope to pursue?: Music teacher or professional performer
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: Always be the bigger person
Most influential teacher: Wendi Humphries, because she goes above and beyond to make sure her students succeed.
High school achievement you're most proud of: Being a regional qualifier for the National Association of Singers Teaching competition.
What can we expect to hear about you doing in 10 years?: I hope to be teaching at a school in South Carolina and working at a community theater.
One thing people don’t know about me is ... My favorite animal is a shark. That normally shocks people!
KENNEDY CALDWELL
Extracurricular activities: Math Honor Society vice president, National Honor Society, Beta Club, FCA, honors choir, varsity basketball, Sunday School teacher
Post-graduation plans: College of Charleston (scholarship)
Major: Communications
What kind of career/job do you hope to pursue?: Broadcast journalist
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: Get involved. No school will reject your school spirit and willingness to participate. You’ll look back at all the memories you’ve made with people you’ll never forget, and appreciate those moments. Plus, you’ll have no time to procrastinate. Staying busy is super helpful in high school, as it eliminates excuses.
Most influential teacher: Kate Pyritz. Coming from a different district, I was really nervous, and maybe even a little scared, to be attending such a large school. I was really sheltered at the beginning of my first year, which was nothing like me, and I believe Mrs. Pyritz knew that. She pushed me to be confident in myself and in my work, and that type of motivation will stick with me for years to come.
High school achievement you're most proud of: The relationships I’ve made. I’ve had such an amazing connection with fellow students, my teachers, and my administration. These people have shown me that the Bearcat family is real, and that it is alive and well.
What can we expect to hear about you doing in 10 years?: You could possibly be seeing me on your televisions. I wish to cover news stories centered around politics and issues related to the health and development of foreign countries.
One thing people might not know about me is … I am a sucker for dad jokes. Tell me a dad joke, and I could be laughing for hours.