When Aaron Pritchard graduates from Durham School of the Arts this school year to pursue a career in medicine, his own experience as a patient will be a testament to his unwavering perseverance and his dedication to patient welfare. Aaron is a straight-A Senior despite having had to fight for his life after being diagnosed with a serious medical illness in middle school, relapsing in high school, then spending his entire sophomore year in DPS Hospital School.
After receiving a life-saving allogeneic bone marrow transplant, he returned to Durham School of the Arts (DSA) for his Junior and Senior years to forge ahead. In addition to his declaration to practice medicine, Aaron is also a Creative who loves photography and thrives in this arena as well.
Aaron credits his Uncle Rob with keeping him driven during his challenging times.
“He has given me so much personal support over my most difficult years and helped me to keep smiling, laughing, and persevering through hard times,” he said.
Undaunted, he continues to enjoy interests such as playing the piano, working out, and hanging out with friends. As a future medical practitioner, his desire is to pursue anesthesiology and possibly become an anesthesiologist assistant.
He hasn’t decided which university he wants to attend although he’s eyeing geographical areas like North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Boston, and Washington, D.C.
Wherever he lands, he knows that his perspective is a key determinant to his success.
“Something that motivates me is always thinking that you can better yourself and continue to progress and grow in life,” he said.
Aaron has worked hard both in Hospital School and on campus, said the DSA Student Services Team.
“Quiet and kind-hearted, he has shown remarkable strength. We are in awe of the progress he has made and proud of all he has accomplished,” said the Team. “He is a joy to have as part of our DSA community.”
Northern High School Senior Phinnaeus Poindexter is known as an advocate who uses his powers for good. He’s the kind of person who lends his voice to advocate on behalf of those who don’t yet know the power that lies within them.
“Phinn embodies everything we would want a student role model to exhibit. From the moment Phinn arrived at Northern for his junior year, he has been a positive force. He finds a way to help students in need, lead in the classroom with humility, and serve our community well beyond classroom walls,” says his principal Matthew Hunt.
Phinnaeus says he models his works after Jesus Chris, whom he says has made the most impact on his life. “Through my relationship with Him, I have learned everything I know about wisdom, discipline, and upright character. Without Christ, I would not have this honor.”
Phinnaeus is a mature student who is sure to make a difference, says Principal Hunt.
“Most recently, I watched him as a member of Knight Crew, supporting our freshmen orientation and our students' transitions to high school. He led as if he was a staff member. I can't wait to watch all that he accomplishes after his time at Northern. Phinn will most certainly change the world.”
As he builds his legacy, he plans to attend UNC Charlotte for Motorsports Engineering and start his own drag racing team and racing shop. “I hope to be recruited by NASCAR whilst I'm there.”
As a career, he hopes to be a NASCAR engineer and work for the Craftsman Truck Series. He says he’ll use what the Lord has given him to reach his goals, as he’s motivated by gratefulness and stewardship. “The single best way I can be grateful for the talents, abilities, and privileges the Lord has given me and steward it well is by putting 100% into everything I do. From building cars to doing well in school to just getting up in the morning,” he said.
He makes the most of his mornings and days, noting his successes are his personal projects such as acquiring an engine for his truck. “I recently acquired an engine for my truck, and I've successfully found some parts I needed for my wagon. These things are really big steps for me in the progress of these projects.” He works on his cars often and has two projects that he’s currently working on– a 1986 Silverado and a 1983 Cutlass Cruiser. He also works at an body shop.
His patience and perseverance are traits that he relies upon constantly, and that he says are necessary in his daily living.
“A challenge I have experienced is continuing to grow in my faith. Denying my flesh and picking up my cross everyday has been a challenge as long as I've been alive, so that's something that I face regularly,” said Phinnaeus.
He pushes through those challenges because that's what it takes to make a difference. To that end, he serves as president of Northern’s FCA. He’s also a student leader for the middle schoolers at his church and serves on the high school ministry's production team.
“Phinnaeus is an extremely respectful and brilliant student. He advocates for what is right for everyone who may not have a voice. In fact, I'd feel comfortable with him leading my classroom as a teacher. In our Automotive Fundamentals class, he was an advanced student. He researched everything we worked on and brought deep questions to the class. Just a model student and person!” said, Elvis Woody, a retired DPS Teacher.
Phinn is proud of his accomplishments but will not rest on his laurels. He considers his biggest accomplishment getting into college. “All of my work over the last 4 years has finally paid off and culminated into my being directly admitted into UNC Charlotte,” he said.