Asheville City Schools
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Celebrating the Class of 2020
There's no doubt about it; our Class of 2020 is something something! We're sure this isn't how you imagined your final few months of high school. But, know it's our absolute pleasure to honor your hard work, dedication and outstanding achievements!
Will Turner, SILSA
Favorite Memory: I can't pick just one favorite memory, but right now it's a tie between taking AP Biology my junior year with Mr. Deters and getting to become close friends with so many wonderful interesting people.
Post Grad Plans: I will be studying neuroscience and biology at UNC Asheville and potentially transferring to University of Vermont.
Maja Elssner, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories would be long bus trips with the field hockey team and meeting all the amazing people in my classes.
Post Grad Plans: I will be taking a gap year in Germany at the Salem Kolleg and then going to Rhodes College in Memphis, TN.
Elias Barnes, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: Salsa dancing out of Spanish class with my best friend!
Post Grad Plans: Travel, probably postponed for a little while now.
Aidan Justus, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memory from ACS was the trip I took to Denmark with Mr. and Mrs. Williams and 10 of the coolest peers ever. I’ll also never forget the classes I took with Ms. Hill that were spent investigating the human body through the lens of biomedical sciences.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending North Carolina State University to study Sociology!
Ava Yurko, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories at Asheville High are playing basketball and also all the sporting events that we had because there was so much school spirit. I also have great memories with my teachers because they were all so amazing!
Post Grad Plans: I plan to attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall and major in chemistry and neuroscience!
Helen Vance, SILSA
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories are being a part of the field hockey team and all of the friends I’ve made over the past four years.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending North Carolina State University!
Leah Darby, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories of AHS are being part of the student section at big games because there’s so much cougar pride, and the AP junior pair trip because it was such a special opportunity. The trip made me feel so close to my teachers and classmates.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending the Honors College at East Carolina University to study Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Communications! Go Pirates!
Gabriela Jones, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: I would have to say my favorite ACS memory would have to be working the Special Olympics, not only did I get to run around with my friends but the amazing kids too, they were so sweet and lighthearted!
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending NC State to major in Architectural/Interior design and minor in Spanish.
Kate Roe, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: Seeing people at lunch
Post Grad Plans: I will be going to the New School - Parsons on a merit based scholarship.
Danielle Hanna, SILSA
Favorite Memory: Lunches outside with my friends.
Post Grad Plans: Attending UNC Chapel Hill in the fall with focus on Global Studies, Spanish and French languages, and Environmental Studies. I look forward to studying abroad as well.
Margaux Mooney, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite ACS memories are the trips I went on like Philly and DC with the junior pair and Greece/ Italy with Ms. Haun and Ms. Mericle with the BEST people ever!! Also playing soccer and going to different sporting events are definitely a highlight.
Post Grad Plans: Next year I will be attending Boston University!
Ella Sarzynski, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memory from high school was definitely being a part of prom committee and being involved in anything to do with the arts at AHS.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending the Savannah College of Art and Design as a fashion major!
Phoebe Propst, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories of Asheville High have been being a member of the band program, playing at every football game, and spending way too much time in the band room.
Post Grad Plans: This fall, I will be starting a dual-degree program between the Eastman School of Music and the University of Rochester, with a BM in Viola Performance and BA in Environmental Studies, and a minor in Spanish
Jennings Gibbs-Barger, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memory at Asheville High would definitely be the junior pair trip. I had so much fun visiting new places and hanging out with my friends and my favorite teachers
Post Grad Plans: I plan on attending Chapman University and majoring in Television Writing and Production.
Clarisse Sobremonte, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: I am so grateful for all of the friendships and connections I have made throughout high school, especially for the ones I made in my AP Chemistry class.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending UNC Chapel Hill where I will major in Public Health!
Jacob Luzum, SILSA
Favorite Memory: My favorite memory from my time in the Asheville City Schools program was hanging out with all of my friends during lunch every day (not one specific instance of this, but the wonderful time I had conversing, debating, and hanging out with my friends each day).
Post Grad Plans: I plan to attend Illinois Wesleyan University after graduating in order to pursue a degree based on my interests in writing and science.
Sophia Thiel, SILSA
Favorite Memory: My fav memories are of the Zoology field trips and labs. I also loved making stuff in Mr. Randall's woodshop.
Post Grad Plans: Further education.
Henry Lehlbach, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: Sports events were so fun!
Post Grad Plans: I am going to Colorado State University with an undecided major.
Stuart Boatwrightt, SILSA
Favorite Memory: Cross Country with Coach Stroup and Woodworking
Post Grad Plans: Attending Elon University
Taiya Barnett, SILSA
Favorite Memory: My favorite memory is my Prostart Team.
Post Grad Plans: I plan on attending Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, A-B Tech for two years then transfer to a four year university.
Max Butterworth, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories were the fun times I spent in Mr. Murphy's and Ms. Haun's class, learning French with Madame Weber, and playing on the soccer team with my teammates and Coach Flowe.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending Appalachian State University to study Anthropology and Sustainable Development.
Patrick Sullivan, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite ACS memory was last year's junior pair trip to Philly and DC. The trip was planned perfectly by Rogers and Freeman, and the best people were with me on the trip.
Post Grad Plans: Next year I’ll be attending NC State University.
Gray Pearson, SILSA
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories are from playing in the marching band’s front ensemble.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending Vanderbilt University to study Oboe Performance and Human and Organizational Development.
Shea Bruer, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memory is definitely spending time backstage during productions in the theatre.
Post Grad Plans: I am going to attend Appalachian State University and will study Chemistry and Musical Theatre.
Judah Barak, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: Marching Band Percussion Summer Camps were our chance to show unity through music, and we all worked together with Cougar Pride.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending Mars Hill University's honors college on a full scholarship in Percussion Performance Studies!
Levi Harris, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: Outdoor Track States my junior year, almost becoming a state champion (took second) - the realization of six years of hard work.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and major in computer science.
Sage Oliver, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: I will always cherish memories of playing & being on the softball team as well as the ROTC days.
Post Grad Plans: I am looking forward to working with my scuba certification and will be taking classes at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, A-B Tech to purse underwater photography.
Lindsay Hamel, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: Playing with the band at the football games
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending Virginia Tech to study engineering.
Levi Meier, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memory is when I swam my first 500 on the swim team and felt all the support from my friends.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, A-B Tech.
Carlos Cavallaro, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: Making it to the quarterfinals of the state soccer playoffs my junior year.
Post Grad Plans: I will be playing collegiate soccer at Oglethorpe University and majoring in Biology on a Pre-Physical Therapy track.
Ellie Hammonds, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories of Asheville High were playing 4 years on the field hockey team and being a member of our Speech and Debate team.
Post Grad Plans: I plan to attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and intend to major in political science.
Yenifer Silva-Romero, SILSA
Favorite Memory: My favorite Asheville City Schools memory was volunteering at the AMS homework diner and tutoring students. I was able to connect with middle school students and answer any of their questions.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall and pursuing a biology major with a pre-med track. Go Tarheels!
Maya Sophia Dotson-Smith, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: 1) Having Starbucks every other morning with my best friend. 2) Accepting my 504 plan and the support I received from many teachers in using it.
Post Grad Plans: I plan on going to UNC-Charlotte's honors college to study international studies with a concentration in peace, conflict, and identity.
Hannah Amos, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories at Asheville High were the times I spent laughing with my favorite teachers and being surrounded by friends.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending St. Joseph's College in Brooklyn, NY. I'm majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology.
Samuel Woodworth, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memory I had from all 4 of my years of attending Asheville High, would be getting to practice, and travel with the Ultimate Frisbee Club. And meeting all sorts of new people during my freshman year.
Post Grad Plans: Attending Western Carolina and becoming a Radiographer.
Aja Bailey, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories of all times in high school will always be all of the funny memories of the late Keithan Whitmire and I created during our freshman year in math class. My other favorite memory is going to Claxton Elementary in my Intro to Socially Just Education class to help assist with the Kindergarteners.
Post Grad Plans: My post-grad plan is to attend North Carolina A&T State University in the fall. I will be majoring in nursing and minoring in psychology
Jameson Wolf, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: Asheville City Schools has connected me with teachers and peers who have supported and challenged me on a daily basis. I am grateful for the community that I have built throughout my time with ACS.
Post Grad Plans: Attending NC State University to study Aerospace Engineering
Luca Mele, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: I have too many favorite things to even think about. I always loved the great relationships I made with teachers; always going back and visiting Ms.Duffer, Mr. Randall, Ms. Jackson etc. just to say hi and catch up. I will never forget my junior prom when my friends and I stayed all night and were the last ones to leave, with Officer Jones as Dj, dancing until it was all over!
Post Grad Plans: Majoring in Baking & Pastry Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, A-B Tech
Lucas Oliver-Kelley, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My fondest memory was my first day as a Senior, especially that feeling of accomplishment and being grateful for the support I needed to get there.
Post Grad Plans: My after grad plan is to travel far and wide as soon as possible.
Latavia Johnson, SILSA
Favorite Memory: I don’t think I have a favorite memory, but I have had an all around great experience!
Post Grad Plans: I plan to go on to attend Greenville Technical College.
Camryn Bolick, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories definitely involved playing soccer and tennis at the high. The atmosphere that our school creates for sporting events is very fun and exciting.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending Furman University to play soccer. I plan on majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Anthony Harper, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite ACS memory are all the connections that I have made, both professionally and personally. I am so happy for all the friends I have made, and the teachers and staff that have supported me throughout my time here.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending North Carolina State, majoring in Polymer and Color Chemistry, with a concentration in Medical Sciences.
Alexis Allen, SILSA
Favorite Memory: I loved going to all of the sporting events and being a part of the Cougar Pride. We’ve always had the most hype section, and it was truly something special to be a part of.
Post Grad Plans: I plan to attend Howard University where I will major in Criminology.
Colin Shea, Asheville High School
Favorite Memories: I'll never forget the friends I made and experiences that I had on the tennis and cross country teams at Asheville High.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending the University of Notre Dame.
Cherish Reid, SILSA
Favorite Memory: I have made a lot of good memories during my years with Asheville City Schools!
Post Grad Plans: I plan to go on to attend Guilford Technical Community College | GTCC.
Audrey Davis, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memory from my time at Asheville High School was being able to photograph the football team's Homecoming game last fall. I was new to the Yearbook team and saw the evening as nothing more than a brief opportunity to practice my sports photography skills. However, it turned out to be so much more. My friends and acquaintances could be seen in the stands, cheering and being their silly selves. The energy was vibrant, and it was easy to tell that everyone there- students, teachers, coaches, teammates, and visitors came to enjoy themselves and feel uplifted by one another.
Post Grad Plans: I will be a freshman at Mars Hill University this fall, studying Graphic Arts.
Ella Doe, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: Warming up in the band room before going out to a football game.
Post Grad Plans: Traveling around the world, first to London and Lisbon.
Elisha Resper, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite thing at Asheville high school was art.
Post Grad Plans: After graduation I will find a job.
Lilian Coyle, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memory has to be going on field trips, especially in Zoology to Ripley’s Aquarium and the Knoxville Zoo, and in Intro to Socially Just Education to Claxton Elementary School!
Post Grad Plans: I’m going to attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and will study Chemistry, Biology, and Mandarin Chinese.
Hannah Engels, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite high school memories are sitting in the band room with friends and dancing in the stands during football games.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending High Point University in the fall with a major in Exercise Science.
Jarrett Sech, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: "I will always remember and appreciate the support and encouragement I received from all my teachers over the years, but the time I spent in Mrs. Freeman’s class will always be special. It is where I grew not only into a better student, but a better person with a broader understanding of the world."
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending Texas A&M University's College of Engineering.
Cador Jones, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: Chilling with the undoubtedly greatest class at the high school.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending UNC Asheville.
Julian Pistor, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories from AHS include playing soccer in front of friends and family in the cougar den and going abroad with Ms. Hahn and Ms. Mericle to Italy and Greece.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending Fordham University majoring in philosophy with plans to go to Law School.
Osha Bowditch, SILSA
Favorite Memory: My favorite ACS memories have been my volunteer experiences over the years and the relationships I've built with ALL my teachers.
Post Grad Plans: I'm attending UNC Greensboro and majoring in Biology.
Annie Rudolph, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories from Asheville High are being a part of the best high school student section there is. Every single sporting event people show up and whether we win or lose, there is always so much Cougar Pride. Cougars for life!
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending the University of Vermont next year, majoring in Political Science
Emily Pizarro-Lopez, SISLA
Favorite Memory: I have enjoyed being taught and supported by some of the best teachers and staff members throughout my years in ACS.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending UNC Greensboro and majoring in Political Science for a pre-law profession.
Pamela Ciru-Banegas, Asheville High
Favorite Memory: My favorite experience from AHS was playing Soccer my sophomore year. I built a family that taught me the meaning of community and how to be a better team player.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending Christian Brothers University. There, I plan to major in Health Science on a Pre-Med track
William Harrison Barlow, Asheville High School
Favorite Memories: Winning the MAC in soccer junior year (thank you, Coach Flowe), all the lacrosse memories (thank you, Coach Mackenzie, Coach Shane, Coach Sara, Coach Mitch, Coach Rhinehardt and Coach Rod), and last, but not least, Ms. Davis' awesome ceramics class. Thank you all!
Post Grad Plans: I plan to attend Appalachian State University's School of Nursing.
David Scott Mahan, SISLA
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories are meeting new people and hanging out with friends.
Post Grad Plans: I'm attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall.
Ziairia Plummer, SISLA
Favorite Memory: I have been a part of the Cougar family since I was in kindergarten, and I am truly thankful for all of the connections and friendships that I have made over the years. There are so many memories to count, but I love how Asheville City Schools puts together field trips and fun events for us to not only have fun but also give us educational experiences, such as college tours to lead the path after high school.
Post Grad Plans: For the next four years, I will be furthering my education at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a major in biology on the pre-med track!
Madeline Coyle, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: I have enjoyed all of my classes and extracurriculars at AHS! I loved going to Mr.Orengo's Strings Class every morning during my first two years of high school and having bagel Friday, where we eat bagels together after practicing our music.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending the The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study Chemistry, Physics, and Chinese. I will also continue to play the violin.
Danielle O'Neill, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite Asheville City Schools memory occurred when I received my 2 first-class certificates.
Post Grad Plans: My post grad plan is to be a nail tech.
Anthony Gregory, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite was playing sports like lacrosse and football.
Post Grad Plans: My plans after high school is to go to college in South Carolina.
Elanor Morris, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: All of the friends I made through high school! I was so lucky to have moved here freshman year and meet such great people.
Post Grad Plans: I’ll be attending UNC Greensboro with a major in Business and a minor in Theatre.
Tyrece Thompson, Asheville High School (Junior and Senior Years) & SILSA (Freshman and Sophomore Years)
Favorite Memory: Asheville High and SILSA were both very fun. I’m glad I got to experience both as well as meet new teachers and friends! Cougar for life!
Post Grad Plans: Attending Davidson County Community College for basketball
Nora Flynn-McIver, Asheville High
Favorite Memory: My favorite ACS memory was going on the Junior Pair trip with Ms. Rogers and Ms. Freeman to Philly and DC. I got to explore one of my favorite places in the world with some of my favorite people.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending the University of Edinburgh in September as a member of the English Literature program.
Randy Gomez, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My two favorite memories from Asheville High were when I held the flag in the pep rally, and the other one is going to all the sporting events like basketball and football games.
Post Grad Plans: My post grad plan is that I shall attend UNCW and graduate to become a social worker to help people.
Elijah Jones, SILSA
Favorite Memory: My favorite memory is being part of Asheville's Football program since middle school. The coaching and friendships I made over the years has helped shape me into person I am today and created memories for a lifetime.
Post Grad Plans: I plan to attend NC State and pursue a degree in Turfgrass Science.
Danha Sanchez, SILSA
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories are Friday Night Football Games with my cheerleading team & how much fun we used to have cheering the boys on no matter matter.
Post Grad Plans: UNC Asheville (study abroad program) majoring in International Business
Erika Wood, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite Asheville City Schools memory is being in Marching Band because of the Friday night games, competition and meeting new friends who felt like another family to me.
Post Grad Plans: Go to college to become a veterinarian
Charles Holland West, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite experience at AHS has been playing on the football team and feeling the rush of excitement at every game when we run out onto the field. I loved representing the school and will miss this excitement.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending the University of Tennessee, Knoxville studying Athletic Administration and Management.
Blake Allison, SILSA
Favorite Memory: All of my favorite memories from SILSA involve my teachers, the people who made it possible for me to get a this far. Whether it's telling or executing a joke or having an insightful discussion, they are the cornerstone of making education work.
Post Grad Plans: After I graduate, I will be attending East Carolina University and pursuing an engineering degree.
Annah Bible-Sullivan, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories include stage managing 14 AHS Theatre productions, Mr. Randall's woodworking class where I discovered the career I want to pursue, getting to learn from other amazing teachers like Ms. Breland, Ms. Duffer, Coach Davis, Mr. Burke, and Mr. Smith, and spending time with all my amazing friends.
Post Grad Plans: After graduation, I plan to attend Haywood Community College's Professional Crafts Woodworking Program then transfer to a college where I'll finish out with a business degree.
Brian Buser, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: Playing football at Asheville High! So many memories with that, there's too many favorites to count.
Post Grad Plans: I plan on attending UNC Charlotte next year.
Sabrina Kennedy, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories come from being a diver on the dive team during my whole high school career. I’m always going to remember the friends I made within the swim and dive team, as well as the one’s I made at competitions.
Post Grad Plans: I’ll be attending Mars Hill University this fall, exploring both Psychology and Political Science as majors.
Ivah Tyson, SILSA
Favorite Memory: I recall the joy of being a first-grade student, and having a fifth grade book buddy! Granted, senior year I was given the opportunity to reverse the role, and mentor kindergarten students at Claxton Elementary School! What a joy the students brought to me each time.
Post Grad Plans: I will be furthering my education as a Tarheel at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There, I plan to obtain a major in Public Health with a minor in Biology on a Pre-Med track. #UNC24
Juliana Accles, Asheville High School
Favorite Memory: My favorite memory of Asheville City Schools is the trip we took to the Outer Banks in eighth grade. I particularly enjoyed the sand dunes and climbing Currituck Beach Lighthouse.
Post Grad Plan: I plan to go to UNC Asheville for engineering and transfer to NC State after 2 years with the 2+2 program.
Abby Mills, SILSA
Favorite Memory: Being a part of the AHS Dance Team for 4 years! It has been a huge part of shaping me into the person I’ve become. The friendships I’ve made through the team will last a lifetime, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the impact it’s had on my high school life.
Post Grad Plans: Attending The University of Tampa - majoring in public health on a premed track
Charlene Pohl, SILSA
Favorite Memory: My favorite memory would be dancing in the stands at the football games with the dance team and watching our school spirit rise at any occasion.
Post Grad Plans: Attending UNC Wilmington
Kamya Jackson, SILSA
Favorite Memory: My favorite memories during my high school career were all the wonderful volunteer experiences and support provided by our school system that I got to take part in and make differences among my peers and community.
Post Grad Plans: I will be attending UNC Greensboro this fall as a psychology major!