East Rowan High School’s All-County Scholars

Peyton McKenna Berry 

Peyton McKenna Berry is the daughter of Micah and Candice Berry of Salisbury. A senior at East Rowan High School, she attended Granite Quarry Elementary and Erwin Middle.

In the fall, she will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a plan to major in biomedical and health science engineering. She hopes to design prosthetics and potentially robotic prosthetics for amputees.

During high school, Berry was a cheerleader for three years. She also served as student body president through Student Council, Junior Civitan president and Future Business Leaders of America president.

Favorite assigned book:  “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Defining moment in my life: A defining moment in my life would be serving on a mission trip in Montana and having the chance to bring God to the Indian reservation.

Secret to high school success: The secret to my high school success was never allowing someone else to change my dreams and determine my personal value.

If I had $10 million: If I had $10 million, I would become a missionary and serve as many people as possible.

Jocelyn Miller

Jocelyn Paige Miller is the daughter of Joe and Rhonda Miller of Salisbury. A senior at East Rowan High School, she attended Morgan Elementary and Erwin Middle School.

In the fall, she will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to major in biology, with a career goal of working as either a cardiothoracic surgeon or a pediatric surgeon.

In high school, she was a member of Key Club, the Student Council and Junior Civitan. She also took dance at Center Stage Dance Company.

Favorite assigned book: “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak

Defining moment in my life: At age six, I broke my right growth plate, and that event first prompted my interest in biology and my unfaltering determination to become a doctor. After experiencing many more injuries during my time as a gymnast, I remain grateful for these negative experiences as they furthered my passion for medicine, and I truly feel as if God placed these obstacles in my path so that I may realize what He has called me to do.

Secret to high school success: I found it helpful to consider how my educational endeavors in high school would impact my preparation for college. I believe it remains imperative to take advantage of access to college courses in high school and volunteer experiences as these opportunities help students prepare for the future.

If I had $10 million: Allocate a portion for college tuition, set some money aside in an account to gain interest, and donate the remaining money to children’s education.

Victoria Plyler

Victoria Scott Plyler is the daughter of Scott and Jodi Plyler of Rockwell. A senior at East Rowan High School, she attended Morgan Elementary and Erwin Middle schools.

In the fall, she will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she will major in psychology and/or education. She hopes to obtain a career working directly with children in a clinical or school setting. This might include teaching, counseling, or psychiatry.

Plyler lettered in tennis all four years during high school and was vice president of Key Club, student leader of Student Council and civitan scholar of Junior Civitan.

Favorite assigned book: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Defining moment in my life: My mission trip to Guatemala where I viewed individuals of the community embody resilience and gratitude despite their detrimental living conditions. In addition, I worked with the children and families at Escuela Integrada where I saw the impact of education amid poverty.

Secret to high school success: My challenging teachers, diligent studying, persistence and desire to gain as much knowledge as possible on diverse subjects that would further my education.

If I had $10 million: I would establish scholarship programs, donate money to cancer research, travel with friends and family and give back to my church and community.

Nathaniel Turner