Ocracoke School's Stupendous Seniors
I had the pleasure of speaking with each student about their plans after graduation, current goals, and memories they will take with them forever.
Cecilia Carter – Cecilia, the Valedictorian of this year's graduating class, will attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall to study computer science. The field of technology is an ever-growing career path due to its versatility and influence in the world. Her academic goals include studying abroad in Singapore, a highly influential place in the field of technology, and to learn Spanish, which will be beneficial throughout her life. Cecilia spent her junior year studying abroad in Germany where she quickly became fluent in the language and gained appreciation for the culture. “Because Ocracoke School is such a small place, all the teachers are very helpful. Ms. Mary has always been very supportive and pushed me to the top. I went to my freshman year at a school with 2,000 kids and I appreciate the smallness that Ocracoke brings. There is a lot of opportunity here because the community is an integral part of life.” She wishes she could tell her 8th grade self to roll with the punches and to not overly plan anything. Going with the flow is what makes life the most interesting! You are going to make technological advances that will change the world, Cecilia!
Evin Caswell – Basketball superstar Evin is going to Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania to play ball. After being scouted by a few teams, he decided on Susquehanna due to the school’s prestigious basketball reputation. By being undecided about his major for the first year or two, it will allow all his focus to be on becoming the best asset to the team to play throughout this college career. Evin’s best memories of high school include numerous basketball trips with all of the coaches. His proudest accomplishment is winning all-district first team for the state of North Carolina for the Eastern District! (Way to go!) “I wish I could tell my young 8th grade self that high school is not a serious as you think it is going to be. I was really scared and it was not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be.” Evin ended the interview by stating “I will be back to Orcacoke, that’s for sure! I want to live here, but just live somewhere else first for awhile.” We can not wait to watch you make it big time, Evin!
Arianna Contreas – Arianna will be attending Pitt Community College in Greenville, North Carolina in the fall. She plans to transfer to East Carolina University or Chapel Hill after two years. Her focus will be on biology and pre medical studies. Her academic goal is to be admitted in the Physicians Assistant program at UNC Chapel Hill with a focus of pediatric medicine. Arianna also hopes to graduate college Cum Laude by hard work and dedication. Throughout her time at Ocracoke School, Arianna as been on the A/B Honor Roll all four years and has completed fifteen hours of community service work each year. She is also a member of Beta Club, on the varsity basketball team, and was this year’s Prom Queen. “My passion for children has led me to work with the 1st and 2nd graders at the school for my senior project on early elementary education.” As a young 8th grader she wishes she had been told by her more mature self to take more AP and honor classes throughout high school. We cannot wait to see what advances you help make in childhood medicine, Arianna!
John Dalton Kalna - Dalton, an avid sports fan, plans to attend Colorado State in the fall to pursue a career as an NBA broadcaster, analyst, or scout. Dalton is very passionate about basketball and spends a lot of time examining the players and their personal tendencies. Dalton plans to be a statistics major with the potential of switching to communication or business. Colorado State was his first choice due to the fact that it is the only college in the country that has a partnership with a professional sports team, the Denver Broncos. The possibility of doing an internship will open many doors for Dalton’s career in sports. Dalton is proud to be a member of the basketball team that beat the Camden County Bruins in the state playoffs. His favorite moments of high school include running on the cross-country team and going to states with the team. He plans to continue to run in college to stay in shape! Dalton’s advice to his 8th grade self includes not rushing into online classes. “I dropped PE in 8th grade to take an online French class, which I regret. I wasn’t very good on time management, and I hope I don’t have to take online classes in college.” Ocracoke is a great place to raise kids and go to school!” We cannot wait to see you broadcasting NBA games in the future, Dalton!
Jordan Novak - Vibrant and caring Jordan Novak is going to be Ocracoke School’s first ever “Super Senior.” Her first year of college will be completed entirely online and she will gain transfer credits in general education courses. Her academic goal is to transfer to an art school after finishing up the required foundation classes online. Jordan’s current goals include getting her drivers license and finding a respectable job. “I want to just let life see where I go.” Although being a student at Ocracoke School for only two years, they have been very memorable with the help of the close community of friends that she has made. Jordan and her family moved to Ocracoke after her stepfather’s job brought them to the island. “Before I came here I was in Ireland. We have moved around a lot, but I love the school here; it is my favorite.” Jordan would like too remind her 8th grade self to get her work done and to not procrastinate! Ocracoke is so glad you are a part of the community, Jordan!
Brandon O’Neal - Brandon has exciting plans to join the Navy upon graduation. His interest was sparked after his brother joined a few years ago. He hopes to stay in the Navy, and work his way up through the ranks, despite being a little anxious about all the trials and tribulations he is going to endure. He also wishes to travel the world, specifically France, and to eventually live in the Bahamas (don’t we all). Brandon is very excited to venture off of Ocracoke and into the world after being a life-long islander. His proudest accomplishment of his high school career is being a member of the basketball team that made it to the state championship competition. The advice Brandon would give to his young 8th grade self is to never give up, do your homework, and study! “I never did any of those things, and upon self reflection I needed to do more homework. I see that homework is important now, I didn’t see that four years ago.” Thank you for your service in the Navy, Brandon!
Kevin Perez – By attending Southern Maine Community College in Portland, Maine, Kevin is fulfilling his travel bug. When the opportunity to attend school in Maine arose, he jumped on the chance. Kevin plans to become an English major, but it not crossing any options off the list while keeping an open mind. Academically, he plans to transfer to the University of Southern Maine after two years at Southern Maine Community College. As an avid runner, he hopes to compete a marathon in the near future, while not freezing in Maine (snow!). During his time at Ocracoke School, Kevin was a member of the Cross Country team and took them to states as the Regional Champion in Cross Country. “I have lived here my whole life, so I can not compare it to the rest of the world, but I know it is a special place and I am happy to have started out in a close knit community. I just wish I had done more of my work in 8th grade!" Good luck in the snow Kevin – bundle up!
Deana Seitz – Upon attending Marlboro College in Marlboro, Vermont in the Fall, Deana plans to study psychology and art. She is an advocate for human rights and hopes to become a social worker after graduation. Looking back at her years at Ocracoke School the field trips she has taken with her class are some of the best memories along with her academic accomplishments. In the summer of 2015, Deana was admitted to the North Carolina Governor’s School where she studied and thrived in the rigorous academic setting. She has also been involved in community service acts such as blood drives, litter pick-up, and Beta Club. Time management is a valuable skill that she wishes her 8th grade self had had more of, however that comes with maturity and growth. “Being a part of the island community, having such great teachers at the school have made a huge impact on my life. I am very thankful and will continue to be inspired by them throughout my life.” You are going to have a lasting impact, Deana!
Aldo Serrano – Aldo’s plans upon graduating from Ocracoke High School include attending college in Florida for graphic design. Until then, he is going to work on the island in order to save money (Good plan Aldo). Aldo has some very obtainable goals for his future, which include moving to a big city, preferably Raleigh. He also hopes to buy a house and find a stable job in the graphic design field with a focus on digital imaging in games. Aldo was on Ocracoke School’s first ever soccer team this past year and enjoyed playing, even though the team lost all four games they played. By utilizing his brilliant design skills, Aldo won the Duck Stamps competition in high school, where his design was turned into a real stamp! Looking back on his time as a growing student, Aldo wishes that his 8th grade self had paid more attention in classes he was not too fond of such as science and English. “Time at school was fun. Everyone is very nurturing and wants you to succeed. Teachers care and want to help you to excel in school.” One day soon there is going to be a video game with your designs, Aldo!
Caroline Temple – Caroline will attend Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina in the fall. She plans to major in their textile design program with a minor in pre-Peace Corps Studies. Caroline has her sights set on some amazing goals including joining the Peace Corps upon graduation and spending time abroad as an ESL teacher. She also hopes to spend a semester at sea during her time at Warren Wilson College. Looking back at her favorite memories at Ocracoke School, the ones that stand out are having the opportunity to study in Romania for her 11th grade year, and being a part of Ocracoke School’s first soccer team. As an avid humanitarian and community servant, Caroline has contributed to her community in many ways including youth mission trips, helping with local fundraisers, volunteering for Ocracoke organizations, and working at the Fish House and the Flying Melon. Caroline feels that her time at Ocracoke School has made her more well rounded than a traditional school. “There are some creative things going on on campus and I am happy that I have gotten the opportunity to try many different things such as sports, I feel that I have grown a lot during my time in high school.” She does want to shout out to her 8th grade self that Kool-Aid mustaches aren’t cool! The world is going to be a better place because of you, Caroline!
Josie Winstead – Josie, the salutatorian of this year’s graduating class, plans to attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall. Her focus of study will be on nutrition, as she plans to attend physician assistant school after she completes her bachelor’s degree. Her goals for the future include becoming a PA and building a successful career and life for herself. Josie was extremely active throughout her time at Ocracoke School by being the first girl on the middle school baseball team. She was a proud team member of the varsity basketball team all four years of high school. Josie was also a member of the Beta Club. Josie’s continuous hard work and effort earned her the award of being on the honor roll every semester through her high school career. When asked what her favorite moments of the past four years have been, she explained that the three mission trips she took to Washington DC, Vandemer NC, and Durham, NC are a highlight. Going to school on Ocracoke definately created unique memories of getting trapped off the island due to bad weather on sports trips. “It is cool to plan everything around the ferry; it is very unpredictable.” Josie’s advice to her 8th grade self is that “high school is not like anything I thought it was going to be. It goes by so quickly, so don’t wish your time away. I wish everything could have slowed down.” Good luck at UNC Chapel Hill, Josie!
Ocracoke School's Commencement Ceremony will be Sunday, June 12th at 5pm in the school gym. All are welcome!
