Brooke Scheffler is a senior at Watauga High School in Boone, where she has excelled in both volleyball and basketball, earning varsity letters all four years. Her athletic achievements include being named volleyball team MVP her sophomore year, named her conference’s offensive player of the year for three consecutive years in volleyball, and being all-conference and player of the tournament, on two occasions, in basketball. Additionally, in her most recent volleyball season, she was HOST First Team All-State. Beyond sports, Brooke is treasurer of her school’s Health Occupation Students of America club, an active member of Athletes for Good and the Fellowship of Christian athletes, and has taken a leadership role as one of the Region 7 representatives for the NCHSAA Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). As a SAAC representative, she is one of the voices of student-athletes in Region 7 and has helped with the organization and planning of the NCHSAA Student Leadership Conference. Brooke has also helped organize numerous community events, including blood drives, creating bags for chemo patients, and has volunteered at her local hospital organizing medical records. This fall, she will attend Furman University where she will play volleyball and plans to pursue a pre-med track. A thought from Brooke – “I was born to serve and lead others so that they can also experience that same joy of giving back to the community like I do.”
Carly Phillips is a senior at Forbush High School in Yadkin County, where she has participated in soccer and volleyball for all four years. She has received accolades such as Most Improved Player and All-Conference for her contributions to these teams. In addition to sports, Carly is an active member of multiple clubs including Beta Club (treasurer), Student Council (former vice president), Health Occupation Students of America (president), and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (president). She also serves as a social media coordinator and has received various academic honors. Carly is committed to serving her community and beyond as she has spent a significant amount of time volunteering on mission trips, assisting with camps and childcare, and organizing fundraisers. This fall, Carly will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she plans to study nursing. A thought from Carly – “I have learned how to adjust and correct my leadership abilities to benefit the team as a whole, because every team is different, as a leader you must be able to adjust to the new situations that come your way.”
Gavin Hill is a senior at North Davidson High School in Lexington, where he has dedicated himself to both baseball and football all four years. He is a recognized baseball player for his hard work and dedication, while also achieving football All-Conference and earning the third most all-time passing yards in North Davidson’s history. Gavin’s dedication extends off the field as he excels in academics and community involvement. He is a long-time member of his church and has given back to the community by helping organize blood drives, assisting with football camps, and doing quarterly cleanups for Adopt A Highway. Additionally, he has previously been a spokesperson and is now a volunteer at the Isabella Santos Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Awareness. This fall, Gavin will attend Methodist University where he will play football and pursue a pre-med track with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician. A note from Gavin – “I have always been drawn to kids, but it is pretty cool after our games taking pictures and signing autographs for kids on the field. At first, I thought I was making them feel special by spending time with them, but they were the ones always making me feel special. I am honored to be someone they can look up to. Those who give back are always the ones who feel the most blessed.”
Ledger Blackburn is a senior at East Wilkes High School in Ronda, where he has been a member of the baseball, basketball, and football teams all four years, receiving All-Conference honors for basketball every year and an All-Conference honorable mention for football in his most recent season. Ledger has also excelled academically, maintaining an unweighted 4.0 GPA and participating in various clubs such as Student Council (currently serving as student body president), National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Beta Club, and Key Club. Additionally, he has completed his CNA certification, which includes 40 hours of clinical work. Ledger has also been an active member in his community, participating in events such as Special Olympics, organizing donations for local organizations, assisting with sporting camps, and consistently participating in Operation Christmas Child. In the fall, Ledger will continue his academic career at North Carolina State University, where he intends to major in Physical Therapy. A note from Ledger – “I can support and be present for those around me and we are stronger when we stand together."
