Reginald Turner Jr.
Recent graduate // W.P. Davidson High School // Dancer
Why He Rocks
Reggie has come a long way from dancing in his aunt’s lap as a baby; he has performed for Mobile Ballet, Sheffield’s School of Dance and Davidson High School’s “Kinetics Dance Company.” He was also named the Teen and Senior Male National Champion at the West Coast Dance Explosion competition. Reggie is preparing to enroll at the Juilliard School for dance, one of the most prestigious dance schools in the world. “I enjoy the constantly evolving and innovative environment that dance provides,” he says.
Off the Stage
During his much-needed downtime, Reggie enjoys thrifting clothes, checking out local nature trails and driving around Mobile while listening to music.
Future Plans
Reggie’s dream is to tour or choreograph with a ballet /contemporary dance company while exploring the world and to someday perform on Broadway.
Biggest Influence
“My parents work so hard to support me with everything I need,” Reggie says, “and they are the most loving, supportive people. Their love for me and God is an amazing influence to be around.”
Isabella McCormick
Recent graduate // Bayside Academy // Literary Mascot
Why She Rocks
As the mascot for her Bayside Admirals, Isabella clearly has no hesitation about being in the spotlight. That’s a good thing because she has proven herself to be well-worth the attention; as a performer with the Eastern Shore Repertory Theater, she has played such roles as the Wicked Witch from “The Wizard of Oz,” Scar from “The Lion King” and a lead role for the Junior Theatre Festival’s New Works Showcase in California (before a crowd of 6,000).
Off the Stage
With a passion for writing, Isabella served as editor-in-chief of Bayside’s journalism club, co-editor-in-chief of the literary magazine and has taken a summer writing class at Rhodes College.
Future Plans
Isabella is preparing to enroll at Davidson College in North Carolina. Ever curious, she’s excited to begin taking classes across every discipline.
Biggest Influence
“My biggest influence would be all of the people who have served as my leaders over the years,” Isabella says. “Whether that’s my theater director, my parents or my teachers, they have molded me into a better person who is now capable of replicating their leadership.”
Iyana Johnson
12th Grade // W.P. Davidson High School // Track Star
Why She Rocks
Asked if she’s naturally competitive, Iyana doesn’t hesitate: “Yes. It’s who I am.” That competitive drive is what carried her to a 7A state championship in the triple jump, a runner-up spot in the shot put and the honor of being named the Mobile Optimist Club’s 7A track and field athlete of the year. “It’s a mindset,” Iyana explains of her determination to succeed. “I just like to see myself progress.”
Off the Track
The track star can also be found on the basketball court as a power forward for the Warriors. When not competing, Iyana says she just likes spending time with her friends and family.
Future Plans
Iyana hopes to continue her track and field career in college, where she plans to pursue her interest in radiology. “I’m fascinated by the idea of interpreting X-rays of the human body,” she says. When asked about the most influential educators in her life, Iyana explains, “I can’t really name one teacher because I know they all believe in me and want me to succeed.”
Biggest Influence
“My mom is the biggest influence in my life right now,” Iyana says, “because she wants what’s best for me and keeps pushing me hard.”
Grace Greenwood
12th Grade // McGill-Toolen High School // Classical Singer
Why She Rocks
At the age of 5, it became clear that Grace had music in her soul when, during dance lessons, she was more enthusiastic about belting out the tune of the music than hitting all the moves. Now, Grace is president of McGill’s Chamber Singers and serves as a cantor at St. Dominic and St. Matthew’s parishes. “When I say singing is my life, I really do mean it,” she says.
Off the Stage
Grace will not only serve as senior class president; she was recently named the Distinguished Young Woman of Mobile County and will represent Mobile in January for the statewide competition.
Future Plans
Grace hopes to study music education at either Belmont University or the University of Southern Miss. “I have a teacher’s heart,” she says, “and that’s been pretty clear to me from a young age.”
Biggest Influence
The biggest influence in her life, Grace says, has been her parents and her parish, Saint Dominic Catholic Church. “I know I always have a home at St. Dominic.”
Maddux Bruns
Recent graduate // UMS-Wright Preparatory School // Top-ranked Pitcher
Why He Rocks
Maddux, the state of Alabama’s reigning Mr. Baseball, says he doesn’t get nervous on the mound anymore. “I’ve been doing it for so long,” he explains. The lefty started playing baseball at age 5 and has attracted national attention for his efficiency on the mound. With the help of a 99-mph fastball, Maddux was named the 5A Pitcher of the Year, 5A Player of the Year and the Gatorade Alabama Player of the Year.
Off the Mound
When taking his mind off baseball, Maddux likes to hunt, play golf and take it easy at the beach.
Future Plans
In July, Maddux was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers as the 29th pick of the 2021 MLB draft. He is only the second player from Mobile or Baldwin County to be drafted in the first round right out of high school.
Biggest Influence
Maddux says he is thankful for his parents, who have always been supportive in all things life and baseball. “My dad has always coached me and showed me how to play the game the right way.”
Joe Solomon
11th Grade // Fairhope High School // Drama King
Why He Rocks
Joe found the theater early in life, taking on the role of the dog catcher in “Annie Jr.” at the Eastern Shore Repertory Theater at the age of 7. Since then, he has played such iconic roles as Mufasa in “The Lion King,” Bert in “Mary Poppins” and, most recently, the Tinman in “The Wizard of Oz.” Joe also participated in Junior Theater Academy, Europe, an elite group of actors chosen to perform overseas, and was also a part of the first ever Zoomsical (a musical over Zoom).
Off the Stage
The National Honor Society member is also involved in student government and works at the Fairhope Inn. Ever the creative, Joe unwinds from the stage by sketching, playing piano and reading.
Future Plans
Though college is a couple years away, Joe hopes to study musical theater at either NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Carnegie-Mellon or the University of Michigan.
Biggest Influence
“My mom is my best friend and has always encouraged me to be myself,” Joe says. “She encourages me to chase my dreams and loves me unconditionally.”
Nyla M. Reiss
12th Grade // LeFlore High School // Entrepreneur at Law
Why She Rocks
Nyla has been an entrepreneur since elementary school, where she sold homemade jewelry to classmates. At 16, she started her own hair product and styling business, L.Michelle Virgin Hair. “I love anything related to hair,” she says, “especially weave!” Nyla is also a star in the classroom, having held a top-10 class ranking since freshman year. This summer, she is an intern with the Mobile County DA’s office, which she describes as “one of the best experiences.”
Outside the Courtroom
As a varsity cheerleader, Nyla is also able to pursue her love of dance. The SGA and National Honor Society member doesn’t take herself too seriously: “If I’m not doing hair, I’m somewhere in my house dancing and blasting music.”
Future Plans
Nyla hopes to pursue a law degree and would love to someday open her own practice.
Biggest Influence
“My biggest influence would be my parents,” Nyla says. “My father has been an entrepreneur since I was born, so he encourages me with business. My mother has always influenced me academically.”
Katelyn Foster
10th Grade // Baker High School // Golf Whiz
Why She Rocks Although she’s only beginning her sophomore year, Katelyn is ranked 15th overall in the state and has made the girls 1A – 7A All County Golf Team three years in a row. This past year, she won the MCPSS County Championship and reached the top ranking for the class of 2024. Did we mention she’s also ranked 2nd academically in her class of 741?
Off the Course
When the spikes are off, Katelyn likes reading, going to the beach and bingeing a good Netflix series.
Future Plans
“In the future, I hope to play golf in college,” Katelyn says. “That’d be a great reward after all the hard work I have, and will, put into the sport.”
Biggest Influence
Katelyn says her parents are her biggest influences — dad for introducing her to golf and mom for her fighting spirit. “When I was in 7th grade, she was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Katelyn says. “She was so strong during all of her treatments and surgeries, and now she is cancer-free.” Katelyn uses a breast cancer awareness ball marker every round in honor of her mother.
Bennett Katz
12th Grade // McGill-Toolen High School // Sports Broadcaster
Why He Rocks
As a member of the sports broadcasting class at McGill, Bennett can be heard passionately calling games for the yellowjackets on McT Live. The SGA president says the key to successful broadcasting, and leadership, is preparation: “You’ve got to study the rosters and know information about each team that the average fan might not know.” The Nappie-nominated broadcaster (alongside the likes of Eli Gold and Lee Shirvanian) isn’t confined to the microphone; Bennett was an all-county cross country runner in 2020.
Outside the Booth
A St. Thomas Aquinas Scholar, Bennett also plays the piano and enjoys boating trips with his family to Dauphin Island.
Future Plans
Though college is still a year away, Bennett says he might be interested in pursuing the STEM pathway to the MBA at Alabama. This summer, he’s learning the finer points of construction under his grandfather, Robert Dueitt.
Biggest Influence
“My grandmother, Ann Dueitt, is one of the hardest working people I know,” Bennett says. “She is also a great storyteller and could be a reason why I found interest in broadcasting.”
David Brown
Recent graduate // St. Paul’s Episcopal School // Scout Mathematician
Why He Rocks
David entered the scouting program in the first grade. Along the way, he’s hiked across the country, honed his skills in leadership and completed a two-year Eagle Scout project; David developed a smartphone-based tour system for the historic Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island. The National Merit Commended Scholar was also heavily involved in the theater and served as president of the robotics club.
Outside of the Classroom
In his spare time, David enjoys scuba diving and working with computers. Math is a driving interest, inside and outside of the classroom: “Math has a level of elegance and beauty that is near impossible to find in other subjects.”
Future Plans
David will soon enroll at Harvard College, where he plans to study applied mathematics. His dream is to work for NASA, specifically on the team developing Mars exploration systems.
Biggest Influence
“My sister Leah has been the biggest influence throughout my life,” David says. “She’s someone I’ve always strived to be like. I can always count on her, and I am so grateful to have her as a sister.”
Andrew Fouty
Recent graduate // St. Michael Catholic High School // Swim Smarts
Why He Rocks
Andrew is a swimming star in the state of Alabama, having claimed a championship in the 100 Fly, 100 Back and 200 IM events in the 1A – 5A division. He estimates he spends about 16 hours per week in the pool. “Most people don’t realize how much time swimming takes,” Andrew says. “But I like it because it forces me to concentrate and clear my mind.”
Outside the Pool
Did we mention Andrew scored a perfect 36 on the ACT? The National Merit Finalist and valedictorian was also a member of the Scholar’s Bowl team and helped start his school’s environmental club.
Future Plans
Andrew will enroll at Columbia University where he plans to study environmental engineering and be a walk-on for the swim team. “I would like to be involved in helping solve important environmental issues, through scientific research and by affecting public policy.”
Biggest Influence
“My parents always show tremendous support for me,” Andrew says, “especially in swimming. They come to my meets, know my times and keep me from being too hard on myself when I’m disappointed in a meet.”
Paige Huckabee
12th Grade // Citronelle High School // JROTC Commander
Why She Rocks
As battalion commander, Paige is the leader of the JROTC program at Citronelle, where she maintains a 4.2 GPA while taking honors and AP courses. “Most people see JROTC as just a military class,” says the National Honor Society member, “not the fun and adventurous class that I participate in every day.” One of her favorite teachers, First Sergeant John Middleton, describes Paige as “one of the best cadets to come out of Citronelle.” As a former cheerleader, Paige also credits her cheer coach Mrs. Jordan for “showing me that I had the courage to do what I loved.”
At Ease
Paige enjoys reading the histories of battles past and spending time with her family. This summer, she’s working as a lifeguard at Waterville USA.
Future Plans
With hopes of attending the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, Paige plans to study oceanography. “My family has always been near the ocean,” she says. “It’s basically my second home.”
Biggest Influence
Paige’s biggest influence is her mom for her strength and dedication while raising Paige and her brother. “I aspire to be her.”
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