Upcoming graduate Ryan Huddleston, is excited to pursue a future in world-wide design. Huddleston is involved in a plethora of activities, mainly in the arts and literature department. Undeniably fascinated with the world of fine arts, Huddleston has set some large goals for himself moving forward in his life.
Like many other seniors, Huddleston has been involved in many activities at North Cross. Huddleston’s involvement ranges from sports as volleyball manager and hockey, to live theater, musicals, and concerts.”Both on and behind the stage during Musicals/ plays,” Huddleston comments about his love for performing, “it’s always such a lively environment, in which I have fun hanging out with all of my friends.” In addition to activities, Huddleston has been involved in Model UN, school pep-rallies, the decorating committee in middle school, sang the pre-game national anthem at sporting events, and has previously been a Raiders mascot. “I've had the joy of knowing Ryan since he was an 8th grader and hung around in the middle school after-school study hall,” Mr. Brandon says. “He's still the joyful, talented person he was when I met him.” Brandon also praises Huddleston’s art skills, acting chops, and singing. Brandon recalls Huddleston pranking teacher Mrs. McGinn by changing her desktop to a “silly photo”. Brandon notes the only difference in Huddleston is his height change, and increase in sarcasm. Huddleston’s hobbies outside of school reflect on his in-school interests. Huddleston enjoys costume and fashion design, art, choir, and boating. In the future, Huddleston would like to pursue a career in world-wide design. This includes the areas of fashion, interior design, art, and music. “Ryan is a creative and artistic young man,” Biology teacher, Mrs. Dickenson, says, “He knows what he wants and pursues it with the force of a tornado.” While he closes his last year of high school, Huddleston reflects on his favorite things about North Cross. When asked what events he enjoyed, Huddleston said: “All of the opportunities that NCS offers to their students, such as Global Studies Trips, live stage performances, sports, community service, and art shows.” As he looks towards his artistic future , Huddleston’s high school career has shown nothing but his passion for the arts. Written by Helen Hertz
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Jacob Woltz ‘21 is planning to go to college next year, but is still undecided where. He will be majoring in business– specifically, economics and finance.
Woltz has always been interested in stocks and online gambling. “I take interest in them because both deal a high reward with moderate risk,” Woltz said. “I trade on platforms like Webull and Robinhood. I also love online gambling on Roobet. It is a very adrenaline rushing game.” North Cross offers a wide range of sports activities in addition to its academic programs. Woltz has been playing in the North Cross high school lacrosse team since his freshman year. During his time on the team, Woltz has played defense and LSM. He said his favorite experience at North Cross was winning the State Championship for lacrosse during his freshman year. Woltz expressed that, “it's something that will always be memorable.” Christopher Pollock, the lacrosse coach at North Cross, said Woltz has been a great teammate and leader for the past four seasons. “While he has decided to not play in college, Jacob has had a great career at North Cross,” Pollock said, “and will be missed next year.” As far as academics, Woltz’s favorite class has been English with Jennifer Sanders ‘03, high school English teacher. Woltz expressed that “She always kept attention and was a captivating teacher.” Woltz explained that, for the future, he sees himself as a role model. “My role model is myself in the future,” Woltz said, “so I always have a realistic person to compete with.” To any new students at North Cross, Woltz advises to be social and make friends both in and outside the school. “Try and branch out as much as possible, North Cross is a lot different then other schools,” Woltz said. “Try to make friends outside of the school when possible.” Written by Hania Raza Winston Huynh ‘21 is a current student in Vietnam who will be graduating in the class of 2021. Winston studied on North Cross campus for his junior year, and is now back in Vietnam for senior year due to Covid-19 mitigations. Winston participated in Cross Country and Swimming while at North Cross, “We had a great season and I had really nice memories”, Huynh said. Huynh’s favorite class was taught by When he was studying here at North Cross, he saw Tammie Le ‘21 who he had previously went to highschool with in Vietnam, and grew a closer bond with Kevin Dinh ‘21. They all were exchange students so they had extra time together in the dorms.
Despite differences in opinion, Huygh says his mom is his biggest role model. “she really inspires me with her dedication and passion”, Huynh said. Huynh does not know what College he wants to go to, but he suspects it may be one in America. Huynh also expresses much interest in the business world. In his freetime, Huynh likes to play video games, read mangas, and watch anime. Huynh enjoys many foods and does not really have a favorite food. Huynh’s favorite trip has been to New York City, “it's a bustling city, bigger than any city I've ever seen”, Huynh said. Huynh’s advice to any students in the future is, “enjoy their time here. Do whatever legal things they want to try, have fun with their friends as much as possible. Time flows really fast, and unexpected things might change drastically in the future” Huynh said. Tammie Le ‘21 who is also a graduate this year said, “he is very dedicated in what he heads to do, and he is the type of person who does more than talks, which makes him a straight forward guy!” Le said. Another exchange student who he often hangs out with in Vietnam, Kevin Dinh ‘21, gave his impressions on Huynh. “Winston stood out as someone with a very businessman-like aura to him for a highschool kid”, Dinh said, “He is also someone who has a really close bond with his family, and that's what makes him a really aspiring figure not only to me, but to people his age.” Sadly, Huynh was not able to attend North Cross for more than a year due to Covid, but still enjoys the relationships and the memories he made during that year. Written by Helen Hertz Kenneth Williams is a graduating senior here at North Cross. This will be his last year as a part of the North Cross community and family.
Williams enjoys listening to music, playing video games, and editing videos. He looks to pursue editing and making possibly as a career. “I want to get into beat-making and editing videos,” Williams said. Along with making beats and possibly dropping some music. Williams favorite memories are the ones with friends and family. His favorite trip was one to Florida and he was accompanied by his loved ones. “When my mom, dad, nephew, and I went to Disney world for seven days and then Clearwater Florida for five days” Williams said. His role model is his father, he wants to be like him in the future. He looks up to his dad's fun behavior and happy personality. “My role model is my father, he is very outgoing and is always making people smile”. Williams said. While at school he has come to love science especially when taught by Mrs. Dickenson. “Biology and Mrs. Dickinson because that class was fun all the time and Mrs. Dickinson made learning fun.” Williams said. Also when it comes to school work it's important to not fall behind. Some advice he would give to new students is to “Schedule your work, do it as early as possible”, Williams said. Written by Jackson Holland '22 Whether it be the friendships made, or the sports played, Isabelle Bradely ‘21 has had a very memorable time in her years at North Cross. Bradley originally came to North Cross because of the academic potential she saw, and also the opportunity provided by sports. While being at North Cross, Bradley has played soccer, basketball, and volleyball for the Raiders. Her favorite class at North Cross has been art with Amy Jackson. “We hadwe had fun everyday in her class and she always had something fun for us to do whether that be in a project or just for a sketchbook,” Bradley said. Her favorite teacher is Josh Kier, “He pushed me to do my best and I learned a lot of things from him.” Soccer coach James Brown, and Mistie Dickenson both served as role models to Bradley. “Both of these people had a huge impact on my time at north cross and made it an overall great experience for me,” Bradley said. Bradley enjoys any kind of fruit as her favorite food. Recently, she went to Puerto Rico and that serves as her favorite trip. “It was so different from what I’m used to being around. Culturally everything was a lot different,” Bradley said. In her freetime, Bradley enjoys playing sports, hanging out with friends and family, and also just being outdoors. Her most valued hobbies include playing soccer, and listening to music. “What stands out most to me about Isabel is she shows up everyday ready to work. Even on the bad days she gets the job done and is always there to help anyone who needs it,” said her friend, Lexi Hash ‘22. Whether it's on the field, at school, or just anywhere Isabel is always motivating or helping others. “Isabel perseveres. She has been through a lot in her short lifetime and yet, she stays positive and friendly to everyone”, said her biology teacher, Mistie Dickenson. Isabel plans to attend Roanoke College in the upcoming fall. Isabel’s advice to any upcoming students is, “Definitely try out sports and sign up for clubs , just try to get involved.” Written by Grace Simon Margaret Tower ‘21 will be one of the many seniors graduating this May. Tower came to North Cross in second grade when her family moved to Roanoke. Over her time at North Cross, her favorite experience was the fifth grade battle in Victor Lamas’ history class. Her favorite class throughout her academic career at North Cross has been creative writing class in eighth grade. “It was a super small group, all girls and was just a really fun and supportive environment to work on my writing skills”, Tower said. Her favorite teacher at North Cross is Josh Kier. “I learned a ton in his class and I feel that he pushed all of us to think more deeply. I just looked forward to his class everyday”, Tower said. Through her years, she played tennis and swam for the North Cross Raiders. Tower’s greatest inspiration throughout her life has been her mom. “She is generous, witty, thoughtful, intelligent and kind; everything I hope to be,” Tower said.
In her freetime, Tower enjoys baking, spending time with friends, and listening to live music (in non pandemic times). As far as interests go, Tower loves politics and follows the news pretty carefully. One of her most memorable trips was to Argentina after freshman year with North Cross. Another trip that holds close rankings is the filth grade Baltimore tip, “A lot of the stuff we planned to do that trip ended up not working out because of inclement weather and stuff but I remember us having a lot of fun.” Tower’s favorite food is Cadbury mini eggs, “I have a super sweet tooth and those are my favorite candy.” She is a big UVA basketball fan, and also enjoys music, with her favorite band being the Decemberists. “She seems to know what she wants to do,” Lamas, who has been one of her teachers said, “she doesn't bend, sway or move about in a way that reveals fear, uncertainty or a lack of purpose or goals.” Next fall, Tower will attend The University of Virginia. Tower’s advice to students is “they should take advantage of all the opportunities offered at our school. It’s not everywhere that you are able to just sign up for varsity sports, our variety of clubs etc.” Written by Grace Simon '22 |