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News
Watch for these 10 students in 10 years
December 7, 2009
Today the Aiken Standard resumes its new feature, "10 in 10."
Each month the newspaper is highlighting 10 area teenagers - high school seniors and juniors - that their schools foresee as becoming highly successful in the next decade.
This group includes students interested in architecture, marketing, law school, elementary education, medical school, nursing and engineering.
Selected students in the coming months are likely to include those achieving academically and/or athletically and those who are contributing in special ways to their schools or communities.
* Name: Brandon Glover
* Age: 17
* School and grade: Aiken High School senior.
* Family: Parents Alan and Jessica Glover.
* Post-high school plans: I plan on going to college and getting a degree and later a license in architecture.
* In 10 years, I hope to: "Be on my way to starting my own architecture business."
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: Mr. Glenn Dedmondt, my S.C. history teacher, was my favorite teacher, because he changed the way I look at things. He challenged me to think outside the box, to find answers for myself, to be a leader."
* An interesting fact: Member of the AHS swim team and the H20 polo (waterpolo) club.
* Favorite class: German 5.
* Favorite book: "The Beach House," by James Patterson.
* Favorite TV show: "House M.D."
* On my Zune: "Foreigner," Elvis, Michael Jackson, "The Kooks" and more.
* Comments: From guidance counselor Linda Strojan -- "Brandon is refreshingly independent and driven to succeed. I have little doubt that he not only knows what he wishes to do, but that he will become a renowned architect. He is a talented young man."
* Name: Catherine Brown
* Age: 16
* School and grade: Aiken Christian School junior.
* Family: Tim and Leah Brown, brother William.
* Post-high school plans: Probably going to Clemson University to student English or architecture.
* In 10 years, I hope to: Have a book published, spend time in Romania as a part-time missionary and happily married.
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "To be completely honest, Jesus Christ. If I didn't have him my life would be completely different. I wouldn't have done the many things I have."
* An interesting fact: "I sang in front of 600 Romanians on my mission trip. Talk about terrifying!"
* Favorite class: English.
* Favorite book: "Vampire Diaries."
* Favorite TV show: "My Name is Earl."
* On my iPod: "Weezer," "Nightmare Before Christmas" soundtrack, "Relient K," David Crowder band.
* Comments: From headmaster Patrick C. Deveney -- Catherine is an wonderful young lady and representative of ACS students. She is intelligent, articulate and committed to excellence in all she does."
* Name: Jessica Campbell
* Age: 18
* School and grade: South Aiken High School senior
* Family: Charles and Sharon Campbell; sister Kori and brother C.J.
* Post-high school plans: Plans on attending a four-year college, preferably Mary Baldwin College and enrolling in the ROTC program at VMI.
* In 10 years I hope to: "Be finishing up my military obligation and deciding whether I'd like to remain in the service or begin to pursue my civilian occupation."
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "All of our servicemen and women who risk their lives every day for the preservation of our freedom."
* An interesting fact: I love volunteering for community service. Each year I participate in at least three different programs. A few would be Relay for Life, Homeworks of Aiken, and visiting the elderly at Carriage Hills.
* Favorite class: Tie between NJROTC and anatomy.
* Favorite TV show: "Looney Tunes" has always been a favorite. :)
* On my iPod: "Muse" and a lot of current music and classic rock.
* My ringtone is: "Starlight" by Muse
* Comments: From NJROTC unit commander Larry Laughlin -- "Jessie is the executive officer for South Aiken High School NJROTC. She has done a fantastic job of supporting the Commanding Officer in building a unit culture of inspired, engaged cadets who have fun at the same time! Jessie is a "people builder." I think her main strength is encouragement. It is intuitive to Jessie -- anyone who knows her will attest -- that she enjoys building others up! I can remember being impressed by her positivity her freshman year."
* Name: Trevor West
* Age: 17
* School and grade: Wagener-Salley High School senior.
* Family: Dad Ronnie West, mother Lynn West and brother Cody.
* Post high school plans: Pursue a bachelor's degree at Clemson University.
* In 10 years I hope to: Have a good paying job. I hope to be starting a family.
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "God, because I know that He is always there for me and helping me make the right decisions and do his will."
* An interesting fact: I love to play baseball with all my friends, and I love to go to all the Clemson football games."
* Favorite class: Math.
* Favorite book: The baseball rulebook.
* Favorite TV show: "Rob and Big"
* On my iPod: Michael Jackson.
* My ringtone is: "Creepin' Chamillionaire"
* Comment: From principal Pat Keating -- "Trevor has been a leader at Wagener-Salley from the first day he stopped on this campus. He has excelled in every endeavor he has encountered."
* Name: Bianca Gibson
* Age: 17
* School and grade: Ridge Spring-Monetta High School senior
* Family: Mother Vera-Bettis Butterfield, dad John Gibson, stepfather Earnest Butterfield, sister Deidra and brother Emmanuel and niece Delasia Singletary.
* Post high school plans: Attend either University of Georgia, Georgia Southern or USC and major in marketing and fashion merchandising.
* In 10 years I hope to: "Have a successful career in the fashion industry as a fashion buyer or fashion coordinator."
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "English teacher Julie Bedenbaugh has been my favorite teacher. She helps with assignments and wrote college recommendation letters and has always been encouraging."
* An interesting fact: "At church we have a sisterhood where we mentor young girls."
* Favorite class: English
* Favorite book: "Chasing Destiny."
* Favorite TV show: "The Maury Show."
* On my iPod: A little bit of everything.
* My ringtone is: "5-Star Remix."
* Comment: From principal Mason Cummings -- "Bianca is ambitious, hard-working and self-motivated to be successful. She sets goals and tenaciously sets out to achieve them."
* Name: Chris Mathis
* Age: 17
* School and grade: North Augusta High School senior.
* Family: Parents Walter Mathis and siblings LeShaun and Whitney.
* Post high school plans: Attending Oakwood University in the fall of 2010.
* In 10 years I hope to: "Have graduated from law school and working at a law firm.
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "My piano teacher, because she not only taught me piano, but also life lessons."
* An interesting fact: "I have been playing the piano since age 8.
* Favorite class: Advanced composition.
* Favorite book: "The Audacity of Hope" and "The Gifted Hands."
* Favorite TV show: "The Game."
* On my iPod: Everything
* Comment: Advanced composition and Teacher Cadet instructor Martha Butts -- "Chris is an affable, gregarious young man who is an exemplary role model. I applaud his integrity, intellect and dependability."
* Name: Emily Jo Zimmerman
* Age: 16
* School and grade: Silver Bluff High School junior.
* Family: Parents John and Janet Zimmerman; brothers Andrew and Matthew and sister Sarah.
* Post high school plans: Tentatively plans to attend Winthrop University and major in elementary education.
* In 10 years I hope to: "Be teaching in elementary school and be married and starting a family."
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "My teachers are my inspiration, because they have been very supportive and willing to work with me."
* An interesting fact: "I enjoy making jewelry and am involved with Key Club."
* Favorite class: Culinary arts.
* Favorite book: "The Hiding Place."
* Favorite TV show: "King of Queens."
* On my iPod: Contemporary Christian music.
* Comment: From guidance director Cathy Neal -- "Emily had a brain tumor and had several operations, one of which left her completely blind at the young age of 15. She is an inspiration to us all. Her attitude is contagious. Emily is always happy and pleasant to be around. She is very intelligent and tries her best in all aspects. Emily started her own business last school year. 'Elegance by Emily' and sells her wares at school and church. In her geometry class last year, she was tutoring other students. She is always willing to help others. Other students see Emily as someone to look up to, as she could easily have taken on the 'poor me, I am blind and can't do anything for myself.' Instead she takes on her daily challenges head-on and accomplishes her goals with poise and grace. Emily has a passion for life that is amazing, to stay the least."
* Name: Laura Glover
* Age: 18
* School and grade: Midland Valley High School senior.
* Family: parents Daryl and Michele Glover; sisters Denise Holley and Christie Glover.
* Post high school plans: Plans to attend USC and major in biology for pre-med.
* In 10 years I hope to: "Have graduated from medical school and working as either a general surgeon or general practitioner.
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "My best friend, Melissa Harden, who I've been friends with for 18 years. She has always been there for me and has always been a source of encouragement."
* An interesting fact: Laura is student body vice president, participates in track and field and is very involved in church. She enjoys singing.
* Favorite class: Teacher Cadet.
* Favorite book: "Breaking Dawn."
* Favorite TV show: "House" and "NCIS."
* On my iPod: A little bit of everything.
* My ringtone is: "Let It Be" by the Beatles.
* Comment: From guidance counselor Allison Crow -- "Laura is a very active student within our school and community. Overall, she is a wonderful candidate with an excellent academic record."
* Name: Allyson Shedd
* Age: 18
* School and grade: Midland Valley High School senior.
* Family: Parents David and Kyndra Shedd and brother Caleb.
* Post high school plans: Plans to attend USC Aiken and obtain a degree in nursing.
* In 10 years I hope to: "I hope to be happily married with a family with a successful nursing career."
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "My greatest inspiration has been my best friend. She had a terrible car accident a little over a year ago. Just to see her recovery and new outlook on life has helped change me for the better."
* An interesting fact: "I am very involved with my youth group at church. I am actually starting a project in a few weeks to provide shoes for those who are less fortunate in South Africa."
* Favorite class: AP literature and anatomy.
* Favorite book: "I enjoy romantic stories with happily-ever-afters."
* Favorite TV show: "Makeover shows like 'What Not to Wear.' Fashion intrigues me."
* On my iPod: Mostly easy-going music, something to sing to. :)
* My ringtone is: "Long Trip Alone."
* Comment: From guidance counselor Allison Crow -- "Allyson is a very caring young woman with high morals. She is committed to numerous church and community activities, as well as maintaining her outstanding grade point average."
* Name: Michael Hutson
* Age: 17
* School and grade: Aiken County Career and Technology Center senior (home school Midland Valley).
* Family: Parents Richard and Tracy Hutson and brother Ryan.
* Post high school plans: Plans to attend USC for at least four years and obtain a professional engineering degree.
* In 10 years I hope to: "Be well-established in my career and raise a family."
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "God has been my greatest inspiration, for without him I would be nothing."
* An interesting fact: "I am the first student president of an American Welding Society student chapter in South Carolina.
* Favorite class: Welding Technology III.
* Favorite book: The Bible.
* Favorite TV show: "Smallville."
* My ringtone is: "Boots On."
* Comment: From welding instructor Kevin Rawlins мн- "I would recommend Michael to any welding/fabrication job where good entry-level skills are required."
Each month the newspaper is highlighting 10 area teenagers - high school seniors and juniors - that their schools foresee as becoming highly successful in the next decade.
This group includes students interested in architecture, marketing, law school, elementary education, medical school, nursing and engineering.
Selected students in the coming months are likely to include those achieving academically and/or athletically and those who are contributing in special ways to their schools or communities.
* Name: Brandon Glover
* Age: 17
* School and grade: Aiken High School senior.
* Family: Parents Alan and Jessica Glover.
* Post-high school plans: I plan on going to college and getting a degree and later a license in architecture.
* In 10 years, I hope to: "Be on my way to starting my own architecture business."
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: Mr. Glenn Dedmondt, my S.C. history teacher, was my favorite teacher, because he changed the way I look at things. He challenged me to think outside the box, to find answers for myself, to be a leader."
* An interesting fact: Member of the AHS swim team and the H20 polo (waterpolo) club.
* Favorite class: German 5.
* Favorite book: "The Beach House," by James Patterson.
* Favorite TV show: "House M.D."
* On my Zune: "Foreigner," Elvis, Michael Jackson, "The Kooks" and more.
* Comments: From guidance counselor Linda Strojan -- "Brandon is refreshingly independent and driven to succeed. I have little doubt that he not only knows what he wishes to do, but that he will become a renowned architect. He is a talented young man."
* Name: Catherine Brown
* Age: 16
* School and grade: Aiken Christian School junior.
* Family: Tim and Leah Brown, brother William.
* Post-high school plans: Probably going to Clemson University to student English or architecture.
* In 10 years, I hope to: Have a book published, spend time in Romania as a part-time missionary and happily married.
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "To be completely honest, Jesus Christ. If I didn't have him my life would be completely different. I wouldn't have done the many things I have."
* An interesting fact: "I sang in front of 600 Romanians on my mission trip. Talk about terrifying!"
* Favorite class: English.
* Favorite book: "Vampire Diaries."
* Favorite TV show: "My Name is Earl."
* On my iPod: "Weezer," "Nightmare Before Christmas" soundtrack, "Relient K," David Crowder band.
* Comments: From headmaster Patrick C. Deveney -- Catherine is an wonderful young lady and representative of ACS students. She is intelligent, articulate and committed to excellence in all she does."
* Name: Jessica Campbell
* Age: 18
* School and grade: South Aiken High School senior
* Family: Charles and Sharon Campbell; sister Kori and brother C.J.
* Post-high school plans: Plans on attending a four-year college, preferably Mary Baldwin College and enrolling in the ROTC program at VMI.
* In 10 years I hope to: "Be finishing up my military obligation and deciding whether I'd like to remain in the service or begin to pursue my civilian occupation."
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "All of our servicemen and women who risk their lives every day for the preservation of our freedom."
* An interesting fact: I love volunteering for community service. Each year I participate in at least three different programs. A few would be Relay for Life, Homeworks of Aiken, and visiting the elderly at Carriage Hills.
* Favorite class: Tie between NJROTC and anatomy.
* Favorite TV show: "Looney Tunes" has always been a favorite. :)
* On my iPod: "Muse" and a lot of current music and classic rock.
* My ringtone is: "Starlight" by Muse
* Comments: From NJROTC unit commander Larry Laughlin -- "Jessie is the executive officer for South Aiken High School NJROTC. She has done a fantastic job of supporting the Commanding Officer in building a unit culture of inspired, engaged cadets who have fun at the same time! Jessie is a "people builder." I think her main strength is encouragement. It is intuitive to Jessie -- anyone who knows her will attest -- that she enjoys building others up! I can remember being impressed by her positivity her freshman year."
* Name: Trevor West
* Age: 17
* School and grade: Wagener-Salley High School senior.
* Family: Dad Ronnie West, mother Lynn West and brother Cody.
* Post high school plans: Pursue a bachelor's degree at Clemson University.
* In 10 years I hope to: Have a good paying job. I hope to be starting a family.
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "God, because I know that He is always there for me and helping me make the right decisions and do his will."
* An interesting fact: I love to play baseball with all my friends, and I love to go to all the Clemson football games."
* Favorite class: Math.
* Favorite book: The baseball rulebook.
* Favorite TV show: "Rob and Big"
* On my iPod: Michael Jackson.
* My ringtone is: "Creepin' Chamillionaire"
* Comment: From principal Pat Keating -- "Trevor has been a leader at Wagener-Salley from the first day he stopped on this campus. He has excelled in every endeavor he has encountered."
* Name: Bianca Gibson
* Age: 17
* School and grade: Ridge Spring-Monetta High School senior
* Family: Mother Vera-Bettis Butterfield, dad John Gibson, stepfather Earnest Butterfield, sister Deidra and brother Emmanuel and niece Delasia Singletary.
* Post high school plans: Attend either University of Georgia, Georgia Southern or USC and major in marketing and fashion merchandising.
* In 10 years I hope to: "Have a successful career in the fashion industry as a fashion buyer or fashion coordinator."
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "English teacher Julie Bedenbaugh has been my favorite teacher. She helps with assignments and wrote college recommendation letters and has always been encouraging."
* An interesting fact: "At church we have a sisterhood where we mentor young girls."
* Favorite class: English
* Favorite book: "Chasing Destiny."
* Favorite TV show: "The Maury Show."
* On my iPod: A little bit of everything.
* My ringtone is: "5-Star Remix."
* Comment: From principal Mason Cummings -- "Bianca is ambitious, hard-working and self-motivated to be successful. She sets goals and tenaciously sets out to achieve them."
* Name: Chris Mathis
* Age: 17
* School and grade: North Augusta High School senior.
* Family: Parents Walter Mathis and siblings LeShaun and Whitney.
* Post high school plans: Attending Oakwood University in the fall of 2010.
* In 10 years I hope to: "Have graduated from law school and working at a law firm.
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "My piano teacher, because she not only taught me piano, but also life lessons."
* An interesting fact: "I have been playing the piano since age 8.
* Favorite class: Advanced composition.
* Favorite book: "The Audacity of Hope" and "The Gifted Hands."
* Favorite TV show: "The Game."
* On my iPod: Everything
* Comment: Advanced composition and Teacher Cadet instructor Martha Butts -- "Chris is an affable, gregarious young man who is an exemplary role model. I applaud his integrity, intellect and dependability."
* Name: Emily Jo Zimmerman
* Age: 16
* School and grade: Silver Bluff High School junior.
* Family: Parents John and Janet Zimmerman; brothers Andrew and Matthew and sister Sarah.
* Post high school plans: Tentatively plans to attend Winthrop University and major in elementary education.
* In 10 years I hope to: "Be teaching in elementary school and be married and starting a family."
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "My teachers are my inspiration, because they have been very supportive and willing to work with me."
* An interesting fact: "I enjoy making jewelry and am involved with Key Club."
* Favorite class: Culinary arts.
* Favorite book: "The Hiding Place."
* Favorite TV show: "King of Queens."
* On my iPod: Contemporary Christian music.
* Comment: From guidance director Cathy Neal -- "Emily had a brain tumor and had several operations, one of which left her completely blind at the young age of 15. She is an inspiration to us all. Her attitude is contagious. Emily is always happy and pleasant to be around. She is very intelligent and tries her best in all aspects. Emily started her own business last school year. 'Elegance by Emily' and sells her wares at school and church. In her geometry class last year, she was tutoring other students. She is always willing to help others. Other students see Emily as someone to look up to, as she could easily have taken on the 'poor me, I am blind and can't do anything for myself.' Instead she takes on her daily challenges head-on and accomplishes her goals with poise and grace. Emily has a passion for life that is amazing, to stay the least."
* Name: Laura Glover
* Age: 18
* School and grade: Midland Valley High School senior.
* Family: parents Daryl and Michele Glover; sisters Denise Holley and Christie Glover.
* Post high school plans: Plans to attend USC and major in biology for pre-med.
* In 10 years I hope to: "Have graduated from medical school and working as either a general surgeon or general practitioner.
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "My best friend, Melissa Harden, who I've been friends with for 18 years. She has always been there for me and has always been a source of encouragement."
* An interesting fact: Laura is student body vice president, participates in track and field and is very involved in church. She enjoys singing.
* Favorite class: Teacher Cadet.
* Favorite book: "Breaking Dawn."
* Favorite TV show: "House" and "NCIS."
* On my iPod: A little bit of everything.
* My ringtone is: "Let It Be" by the Beatles.
* Comment: From guidance counselor Allison Crow -- "Laura is a very active student within our school and community. Overall, she is a wonderful candidate with an excellent academic record."
* Name: Allyson Shedd
* Age: 18
* School and grade: Midland Valley High School senior.
* Family: Parents David and Kyndra Shedd and brother Caleb.
* Post high school plans: Plans to attend USC Aiken and obtain a degree in nursing.
* In 10 years I hope to: "I hope to be happily married with a family with a successful nursing career."
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "My greatest inspiration has been my best friend. She had a terrible car accident a little over a year ago. Just to see her recovery and new outlook on life has helped change me for the better."
* An interesting fact: "I am very involved with my youth group at church. I am actually starting a project in a few weeks to provide shoes for those who are less fortunate in South Africa."
* Favorite class: AP literature and anatomy.
* Favorite book: "I enjoy romantic stories with happily-ever-afters."
* Favorite TV show: "Makeover shows like 'What Not to Wear.' Fashion intrigues me."
* On my iPod: Mostly easy-going music, something to sing to. :)
* My ringtone is: "Long Trip Alone."
* Comment: From guidance counselor Allison Crow -- "Allyson is a very caring young woman with high morals. She is committed to numerous church and community activities, as well as maintaining her outstanding grade point average."
* Name: Michael Hutson
* Age: 17
* School and grade: Aiken County Career and Technology Center senior (home school Midland Valley).
* Family: Parents Richard and Tracy Hutson and brother Ryan.
* Post high school plans: Plans to attend USC for at least four years and obtain a professional engineering degree.
* In 10 years I hope to: "Be well-established in my career and raise a family."
* Besides my family, the person who has been my greatest inspiration has been and why: "God has been my greatest inspiration, for without him I would be nothing."
* An interesting fact: "I am the first student president of an American Welding Society student chapter in South Carolina.
* Favorite class: Welding Technology III.
* Favorite book: The Bible.
* Favorite TV show: "Smallville."
* My ringtone is: "Boots On."
* Comment: From welding instructor Kevin Rawlins мн- "I would recommend Michael to any welding/fabrication job where good entry-level skills are required."