South Rowan High School’s All-County Scholars.

Sarah Maynor

Sarah Elizabeth Maynor is the daughter of Joel and Karen Maynor of China Grove. A senior at South Rowan High School, she attended China Grove Elementary School and China Grove Middle School. In the fall, she will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and major in exercise and sports science. She then plans to go on to physical therapy school to become a physical therapist

During high school, she was a member of the National Honors Society. She has also been a dancer at Center Stage Dance Company for 14 years.

Favorite assigned book: “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr.

Defining moment in my life: Getting accepted into Carolina. It made me realize that all of the hard work that I put into high school paid off and it was time to begin a new chapter in my life.

The secret to high school success: Set goals for yourself and aim to accomplish them, respect your teachers and work hard. It won’t be easy but it is worth it!

Kristen Minehart

Kristen Elizabeth Minehart is the daughter of Aaron and Elizabeth Minehart of China Grove. A senior at South Rowan High School, she attended China Grove Elementary School and China Grove Middle School.

In the fall, she will attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Health Explorations Program and major in biology. Later, she plans to attend medical school to someday become a doctor and open her own practice.

During high school, she was part of the women’s varsity tennis team for all four years, where she was the first seed and co-captain and made the 2018 all-county team. She also served as treasurer of the National Honors Society, creative designer on the yearbook staff and senior class secretary on the Student Council.

Favorite assigned book: “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini.

Defining moment in my life: A defining moment in my life was when I was selected to attend North Carolina’s Governor’s School for mathematics. Attending North Carolina’s Governor’s School taught me that hard work pays off but also it challenged me to go outside my comfort zone and caused me to look at things from different perspectives.

The secret to high school success: The secret to my high school success is to work your hardest, take classes your are interested in, always come to school prepared, and take time to relax and have fun with your friends and family.

If I had $10 million: If I had $10 million, I would pay for my siblings’ and my college education, travel the world, donate money to charities and then invest the rest of the money.

Lauren Shell

Lauren Elizabeth Shell is the daughter of Darrell and Christy Shell of China Grove. A senior at South Rowan High School, she attended Millbridge Elementary School and China Grove Middle School. In the fall, she will attend North Carolina State University to major in biology and environmental science with hopes to pursue a career as an environmental scientist and work to protect natural resources.

Haley Sloop

Haley Frances Sloop is the daughter of Stanley and Brenda Sloop of China Grove. A senior at South Rowan High School, she attended Landis Elementary School and Corriher-Lipe Middle School. She plans to attend Catawba College in the fall and dually major in special education and elementary education to become a special education teacher upon graduating college.

During high school, she lettered on the varsity softball team and varsity swim team and served as co-president of CHAOS Youth Group.

Favorite assigned book: “The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver

Defining moment in my life: A defining moment in my life occurred when I was in the 4th grade. I knew I had the knowledge, but I was struggling to access my full academic potential. My AIG teacher, Mrs. Angie Basinger, was able to see through my struggle and showed me that she believed in me. Her belief in me, empowered me and helped me  to reach a new academic confidence that I had previously lacked. From that time on, I was driven to do my very best in every academic endeavor that was set before me.

As a high school student, I was more clearly able to reflect on my academic career, my 4th grade teacher, and the difference that she made in my life at a very young age. This difference inspires me to want to be this person to others and this has inspired me to become an educator.

The secret to high school success: The secret to my high school success was looking forward to who I wanted to become. I knew that in order to be my best self in the future, I needed to be my best self now.

If I had $10 million: If I had $10 million, I would like to use a portion as grants to local public schools. As a student, I understand the colossal impact that the learning experience has on building individuals. I want to give back to schools which have given so much to me. Education is vital in the construction of future generations and if I had $10 million, I would make sure to help enrich the school system.