Senior Spotlight

In what grade did you start at Charlotte Christian?
I started attending Charlotte Christian in grade 5.

How has Charlotte Christian impacted you or made a difference in your life and how has Charlotte Christian prepared you for life after graduation?
Charlotte Christian has made a difference in my life by helping me grow academically, artistically and athletically. My academic classes have taught me how to study and work hard, preparing  me for college. Not only that, but sports like track and soccer taught me endurance and time management, while art taught me expression and creativity. These attributes Charlotte Christian grew in me will allow me to balance my life after graduation creatively and effectively. 

Is there a Charlotte Christian teacher, staff member, or coach who had a significant impact on your life and why?
Mr. Gillette has had a significant impact on me throughout upper school by pushing me to grow the artistic side of myself unapologetically. One particular moment is when Mr. Gillette told me to start “painting big,” which changed the entire quality of my artwork.

Favorite CCS memory:
My sophomore year we went to Orlando, FL for a fine arts trip. While at Universal Studios, our group rode Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure 3-4 times in a row— it felt unreal.

What will you miss most about CCS?
I will miss the environment where I paint the most at CCS. I will miss the room, the people and my teacher. Where you paint becomes another home.

Advice for Future Knights:
Don’t be afraid to be yourself because your genuine self is always wanted somewhere — even if it may not always feel like it.

Favorite spot on campus:
Mr. Gillette’s classroom, particularly the Tea Station.

Favorite FLIK lunch:
Any Asian food, especially General Tso’s Chicken!

Top things you are most proud of:
1. Since I have been at CCS, I have achieved 16 awards in total from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. I have been awarded 6 Gold Keys, 6 Silver Keys and 4 Honorable mentions for my pieces.
2. Becoming the President of NAHS senior year.
3. Live painting with Mr. Gillette at a Choir concert as well as at Windy Gap.
4. Creating paintings for a Cancer Campaign that were up for auction to raise money.
5. Getting second in the Carolina Freedoms Art Competition. 


Honors and awards:

• I was selected to present artwork during the Lausanne Movement’s Showcase. The piece I presented was the live painting I collaborated on with Mr. Gillette and other peers during a Choir Concert.
• National Honor Society Member , grades 9-11
• National Art Honor Society Member, grades 9-11
• Tri-M Music Honor Society, grades 9-11
• Magna Cum Laude Honor Roll, grade 9
• Cum Laude Honor Roll, grades 10-11
• Carolinas Freedom Foundation 2024 Patriotic Art Competition 2nd Place Winner “Don’t Forget What I Sacrificed” grade 10

What college are you planning to attend?
NC State

Do you know what you want to study in college? Do you have a dream job?
I am studying within the medical field with a dream of becoming a plastic surgeon, dermatologist or dentist. But my true dream job is to be an artist, whether that is designing movies or creating music.

Something no one knows about you:
My favorite restaurants are Lang Van and Rusans.