August Scholar Athletes of the Month: Millbrook's Jayden Ferguson, Cape Fear's Payton Gunter
HighSchoolOT and APlus Test Prep are proud to announce the winners of the HighSchoolOT Male & Female Scholar Athletes of the Month for August 2023.
Each month, the HighSchoolOT Scholar Athlete of the Month award, which is presented by APlus Test Prep, recognizes one male and one female senior high school student-athlete in North Carolina who has success athletically, but also excels in the classroom and contributes to the community.
One male and one female winner will be named each month through May 2024. Nominations can be made any time on HighSchoolOT. Every monthly winner will automatically become a finalist for the HighSchoolOT Honors Scholar Athlete of the Year Award at the end of the school year.
The winners for August are:
- August Male Scholar Athlete of the Month: Jayden Ferguson, Millbrook
- August Female Scholar Athlete of the Month: Payton Gunter, Cape Fear
Jayden Ferguson (Millbrook football, track & field)
Jayden Ferguson is a senior at Millbrook High School in Raleigh who plays football and participates on the track & field team for the Wildcats.
Ferguson is an honor student at Millbrook, where he was inducted into the National Honor Society. As a football player, he was a NAC 6 All-Conference Honorable Mention selection as a junior, but he was also named to the NAC 6 Academic All-Conference Team.
Outside of school, Ferguson has donated his time to a number of causes in the community. He has worked with middle school students and spoken with young kids in the community, he volunteers with his church, is a leader on the Millbrook football team for highway clean up efforts, participates in the Athletes for Christ group at Millbrook, and teaches Sunday classes to kids in grades 1-6.
Ferguson is a linebacker for the Millbrook football team. He led the team in sacks, tackles for loss, and fumble recoveries last season.
His success on the football field and in the classroom has earned him a scholarship to play college football at Davidson College next school year.
Here's Jayden Ferguson in his own words:
Why is your academic success important to you?
My academic success is incredibly important to me because it represents a culmination of my dedication, perseverance, and growth as an individual. It's a reflection of the hard work I've put into expanding my knowledge and honing my skills. Achieving academic success not only opens doors to opportunities but also empowers me to make a meaningful impact on both my personal and professional life. It's a testament to my commitment to learning and self-improvement, and it serves as a foundation for my future endeavors.
Furthermore, my academic success is a way for me to honor the investment that my family, mentors, and supporters have made in my education. It's a way to demonstrate that their belief in me was well-placed and that I'm capable of translating my potential into real accomplishments. Besides my mom and dad don't play about academics, I didn't start playing football until 7-8 grade because they wanted me to focus on academics first. My dad always says that if I'm academically sound and strong then playing sports is like dessert and its something that you earn and work relentlessly towards.
Ultimately, my pursuit of academic success is about more than just grades and certificates; it's about becoming the best version of myself, contributing positively to society, and paving the way for a fulfilling and purposeful journey ahead.
How have sports helped you in the classroom? What lessons have you learned from playing sports that you can apply to life?
Sports have been a game-changer in the classroom for me. They've taught me about discipline, time management, and teamwork. Pushing myself in sports showed me that hard work pays off, which I've applied to my studies. Handling wins and losses taught me resilience and that setbacks are just stepping stones. Plus, learning to collaborate and communicate on the field has translated to better interactions in everyday life with leadership and just how I want to be seen and carry myself.
As a senior, what advice would you give to underclassmen in high school?
As a senior, let me drop some wisdom your way. First off, embrace the journey – high school is a wild ride. Don't stress the small stuff; it's all part of growing. Take chances, join clubs, and meet new people – these experiences shape you, and the people you meet could potentially be lifelong friends.
Work hard but find balance. Grades definitely matter, but so does having fun and making memories while focusing on your studies. Ask for help when needed; there's no shame in it. And don't compare yourself to others – you're on your own unique path.
Lastly, be kind. To yourself and others. It goes a long way and your High school is a community; we all play a role in making it awesome. Enjoy the ride, it'll be over before you know it. As you get ready to end your high school career have some idea of what your future plans look like with some goals and things in between that matter most to you.
What are your plans for college & beyond?
As I look ahead to college and beyond, my goal is to pursue a degree that aligns with my passions and interests which at the moment is environmental sciences, but I've still got time to truly figure out what I major in while at Davidson.
In addition to academics, I am really excited and honored to be committed to play D1 FCS football at Davidson for Head Coach Scott Abell. I've truly gotten to see the culture there at Davidson and my family loved it while visiting and it aligns with my goals and what my family wants for me. They truly made me feel like I was already a part of the team and I am looking forward to continuing a winning culture there and growing as a player and leader.
As for the future beyond college, I'm eager to apply the skills and insights I gain to make a positive impact in my chosen field. While the specifics might still be shaping up, I envision a path that combines my education with my aspirations, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to society.
Payton Gunter (Cape Fear volleyball)
Payton Gunter is a standout volleyball player for Cape Fear High School, but she is also a highly accomplished student.
As a senior at Cape Fear, Gunter is an honors student who holds a 4.51 GPA. A member of the inaugural AP Capstone program at her school, Gunter was selected as 2023 Marshall for Cape Fear.
Gunter also spends time helping her community. She passes along her knowledge of volleyball as a volunteer coach for the Sandhills Volleyball Club. She has also donated her time as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and Partnership for Children.
Gunter is also heavily involved in other extra-curricular activities. She is a member of the Natural Science Academy, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, HOSA, Beta Club, and has been a student mentor for the last two years.
Here's Payton Gunter in her own words:
Why is your academic success important to you?
Academic success is very important to me because I have a very goal oriented mindset. We all have goals and in order to accomplish mine, academia must come first. This puts school at the top of my priority list.
How have sports helped you in the classroom? What lessons have you learned from playing sports that you can apply to life?
There is a mental aspect of sports that is never truly discussed in depth. I personally believe your mental ability should be stronger than your physical. That being said, volleyball has allowed me to develop a mental toughness that does not come naturally. By playing this game I have learned that what’s between your ears is stronger than what you can physically do. So even though I may be able to do well in school, you still have to keep your mind right to stay motivated and focused.
As a senior, what advice would you give to underclassmen in high school?
As a senior, I would tell freshmen that no matter what plans you may have your future is still unknown. Your lack of control will be stressful for the next four years. To help lessen this stress I remember John 13:7. “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Since freshman year this verse has brought me peace in uncertainty and I can only hope His Word will do the same for another freshman.
What are your plans for college & beyond?
After my undergraduate degree is complete, I plan to go back to school for another two years to become a physician assistant. I would ultimately love to work with kids. I believe I have a gift for that. However as I just said previously, it’s not my plan but His.
