As the school year comes to a close, Gators Eye is preparing to say goodbye to four outstanding seniors who have helped shape the program with their talent, leadership, and passion for storytelling. While they may be graduating, each senior is taking the skills they built here into exciting new chapters.
Morgan will attend the University of Tennessee in Knoxville to study journalism, continuing her passion for writing and sharing stories. “For the longest time, I thought I was going to go to NC State, but when I went to the campus of UTK and did a tour, I immediately had that feeling that it was home for me.” She also explains how staying close near home felt too comfortable. “A lot of my best friends go to NC State and it’s only 15 minutes away from me, so it was just comfortable and the most convenient choice. But I think college is all about putting yourself out there and stepping outside of your comfort zone, so I took the leap and decided on Tennessee.”
Halle is heading to the University of South Carolina to pursue broadcast journalism, where she hopes to build a future in media and reporting. “Its hard to imagine what the future would be like somewhere else, but when I was on campus and toured it I just knew it was for me.” Halle also highlights some of the main reasons she loves the University of South Carolina. “My favorite thing about the school is how kind everyone is and the spirit there. When I was meeting new people and getting introduced to professors, everyone was super positive and genuine; it made me feel super at home.”
Andrew will continue both academics and athletics at Guilford College, where he has committed to play basketball. He really likes the current basketball team at Guilford and finds all the players and coaches to be very supportive and welcoming. “It was the coaches at Guilford that are very good, and overall just the education at the University is good for what I want to pursue.” Says Andrew. When he reflects about his time at The Swamp, he also appreciates the Green Level athletic department. “What I’ll remember most about Green Level would just be our high school sports, specifically the coaches.” Andrew says.
Tyson’s journey will take him overseas, where he will train and compete with 1. FC Köln Soccer in Germany. Tyson hopes to continue to play soccer after his gap year, at a four year university. He exclaims how he really got lucky with the opportunity handed to him by an international coach that attended one of his club’s tournaments. “I always wanted to play soccer after high school and I also always wanted to do a study abroad program, so I kind of got the best of both worlds going to play soccer overseas.” Says Tyson.
These seniors have each made a lasting impact on The Gator’s Eye and our school community. Whether through writing, broadcasting, athletics, or leadership, they have set an example for future students to follow. We wish Morgan, Halle, Andrew, and Tyson the best as they begin their next adventures!
