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 a 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.