WEST COLUMBIA, SC -- Members of Brookland-Cayce High’s Class of 2019 have received their diplomas -- and now, they’re ready to begin new chapters in their lives.
Many of the students who graduated Friday, May 31, have made lasting contributions at Brookland-Cayce High in academics, student government, sports, and service -- and look to do more of the same in the years ahead.
We talked with seven graduating seniors about their Brookland-Cayce experiences -- their career goals, their most influential teachers and the advice that got them through high school.
Jarren Brown
College: University of South Carolina
Major: Psychology
Career goals: I hope to become a therapist or a guidance counselor in hopes to help others in the quest to better themselves.
Extracurricular activities: Sunday school leader, recreational sports
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: My mother always reminded me that I am going to school for school -- meaning, I am going to school for an education and to better myself to have a better future. Everything else is extra
Most influential teacher: Science teacher Sherrie Jackson. Mrs. Jackson always looked out for me and kept my best interest at heart and gave me some of the best advice. I’ll always love her for that.
Achievement you're most proud of in high school: Graduation. This is the beginning of the start of my future and I’m proud of the work and effort I put forth to get myself to this point.
Reece Hungerford
College: University of South Carolina Honors College and the Darla Moore School of Business
Major: Finance
Career goals: A business management or financial position with a professional sports team or collegiate athletics department.
Extracurricular activities: Active member of First Baptist Church of Columbia, Student Leadership University graduate, National Honor Society
Most influential teacher: Taylor Green. She was a great chemistry and Capstone Research teacher who made all of her classes interesting and fun. She was easy to talk with, always available, and genuinely cared for all of her students.
Achievement I'm most proud in high school: Treating everyone with kindness and being well-liked and respected by my peers.
Piece of advice that has guided me through high school: I try to live by Lou Holtz's quote, "There is never a right time to do the wrong thing, and there is never a wrong time to do the right thing."
Reid Riddle
College: Clemson University
Major: Civil Engineering
Career goals: Engineering Design Manager
Extracurricular activities: Varsity spirit and competitive cheerleading for six years, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Mock Trial Club, Student Council, Honors Chorus, Math Honor Society, youth group at Trinity Baptist Church, Latin Honor Society
Most influential teacher: Pete Grivetti encouraged me everyday to work hard and ask questions. He taught me my love for biology and physics. His classes have shaped my intended major of engineering.
Achievement you're most proud of in high school: Getting runner-up twice at SCHSL AAA Competitive Cheerleading State Championship.
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: There is a reason for everything and you just have to trust that it will all work out.
Mary Shaffer
College: Clemson University
Major: Political Science
Career goals: Law or Politics
Extracurricular activities: Varsity spirit and competition cheerleading, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, HOSA, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Math Honor Society, Bearcat Ambassadors, Latin Honor Society, Teacher Cadet
Most influential teacher: Terry Boone, my government and economics teacher who solidified the fact that I want to pursue law. He was always there if I ever needed anything.
Achievement you're most proud of in high school: AAA State runner-up in competitive cheer, and winning Miss Bearcat
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: Take in the small moments and enjoy each day because it goes by in the blink of an eye.
Madison Stutts
College: University of South Carolina
Major: Graphic design
Career goals: I hope to find a job freelancing to various businesses and individuals for magazines, websites, and other business design needs.
Extracurricular activities: Six-year varsity cheerleader and silver medalist, National Art Honor Society, sophomore Senate representative for Student Council, Junior Class treasurer, Executive Student Council treasurer, Beta Club, Bearcat Ambassador, Teacher Cadet, yearbook editor (junior year)
Most influential teacher: Rachel Buff. I was fortunate enough to have Ms. Buff’s class all four years of high school so we managed to make a great bond. She has helped me with academic decisions, life decisions, and anything I’ve needed. Anytime I’ve gone to Ms. Buff for advice or help she always kept it real and did all she could for me. Ms. Buff has been a fantastic teacher, influencer, and fellow artist.
Achievement you're most proud of in high school: I am most proud of my artistic achievements. I am a two-year AP Art Honor Society member and passed my first AP Art Portfolio Exam my junior year. I just turned in my second AP Art portfolio exam ever, and I am hoping for good news in July. Over the past four years, I have improved immensely with my art and I could not be more proud.
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: Be social and involved with school. I started getting involved with BC in seventh grade through the varsity cheerleading team and it helped me meet new people and make a diverse group of friends.
Allie Paige Thornton
College: Anderson University
Major: Nursing
Career goals: I would love to work in the field of rheumatology as a nurse practitioner.
Extracurricular activities: Soccer, cheerleading, cross country, Honors Chorus, student government, Youth Worship Team
Most influential teacher: Charlotte Shepard, because she effectively educated her students while still showing compassion toward us. I learned a great amount of material in her class, but I also learned so much about myself as well as lessons that I will carry with me throughout my life.
Achievement you're most proud of in high school: Following in my mom's footsteps in Brookland-Cayce's student body president, just as she was.
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: If you are going to do something, do it right.
Jade Watford
College: University of South Carolina
Major: Experimental psychology
Career goals: Either a psychologist or attorney
Extracurricular activities: Yearbook, varsity competition cheerleading, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Mock Trial, Student Council
Most influential teacher: Terry Boone is by far one of the best teachers Lexington Two has employed. He prepares his students to be educated voters and recognize the importance of non-partisanship when it counts the most. His dedication to his students and their success is what makes him such a stand-out teacher and mentor.
Piece of advice that has guided you through high school: Use good judgment, because there is never a time when your best judgment can lead you astray.