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Alex Johnson
New Hanover High School
Unlike many students, Alex Johnson’s favorite subject is
physics.
“I really like science,” says the New Hanover High
School senior. “It’s pertinent to the real world, and is just very
interesting.”
While this love of science influenced the topic of Johnson’s
senior project, Environmental Myths — a study of combating
stereotypes about recycling, nuclear power and more — it’s also
helped him realize he’d favor a career in engineering.
Deciding between North Carolina State and Georgia Tech,
Johnson understands that a positive outlook about his future goals
will help his success.
“I’m going to college very open minded,” he says. “There are
a lot of different directions that I can take, and having an open
mind is best with all sorts of new experiences present.”
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The positive inspiration at New Hanover, and the influence of
his family, keeps Johnson in check.
“The learning environment at New Hanover is great, as far as all
students wanting to learn,” Johnson says. “My mom keeps me in
line about my procrastination, while my dad helps me be a wellrounded
person through being a role model for helping others.”
Johnson tutors classmates at New Hanover, volunteers with
his father at the Wilmington Wheelchair Golf Association, is
president of the Math Club, vice president of the National Honor
Society chapter and member of the Spanish and Heritage clubs.
But that’s not all.
“I love sports. I play soccer, tennis and basketball. I think it
helps with schoolwork. While my off-field activities are motivation
for on the field, I think that the drive and hard work that I learn
in sports are beneficial to my studies.”
Ping-pong is one sport in which Johnson excels.
“My ping-pong abilities are amazing! I am really good.”
Starr Laton (Pictured next page)
Wilmington Early College
When Starr Laton thinks of focus, she thinks of music.
“I like listening to indie folk music; it helps to get
me in the right mindset,” she says.
The senior at Wilmington Early College walks to the beat of her
own drum in her academic and personal life, taking a nontraditional
outlook on typical schoolwork.
“I don’t necessarily like to study,” she says. “I am a very visual
learner, and when taking notes I jot down key terms and remember
what the teacher is doing, which helps me to learn the information
better. I retain things very well.”
A member of a National Guard youth program, with basic
training around the corner, Laton can see herself taking many different
paths in the future.
“Eventually, I will attend school, possibly the University of
North Carolina, UNC Greensboro or Pembroke. I’m looking at
several different options,” she says.
English is her favorite subject. Laton likes to write stories and
poetry. One of her favorite pastimes is styling herself in the latest
chic fashion, hair and make-up trends.
“I enjoy being creative,” Laton says.
This helped influence her senior project on teen dating violence,
during which she researched domestic violence — statistics, contributing
factors and possible preventative measures. She organized
a clothing drive for teens, and everything collected was donated to
the Domestic Violence Shelter and Vintage Values thrift stores.
Laton credits her family and favorite teacher as motivation.
“My mother has never put too much stress on me, and my
grandmother has always been there for me. She’s such a strong
woman. No matter what she goes through, she keeps going,”
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