Growing up in the Raleigh and Wake Forest area gives you a little bit of everything Southern charm, a close-knit community, and just enough city buzz to keep things exciting. For Cole, a senior at Wake Forest High School, this town has been more than just home it’s where he’s built lifelong friendships, discovered his passions, and learned what it means to be part of something bigger than himself.
Now, as graduation approaches and Cole prepares to head to UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall of 2025, he’s reflecting on everything that’s brought him to this moment. From quiet mornings on the golf course to loud nights backstage with his drama club friends, Cole’s senior year has been a perfect blend of hard work, heart, and hometown pride.
A Love for the Game
Cole’s love for golf started young, and over the years, it’s become one of the defining parts of his high school experience. Whether he’s playing a round with friends or working shifts at the local golf club, the game has taught him discipline, patience, and a deep respect for the process. The fairways and greens of his hometown course feel like a second home and the staff and members there feel like extended family.
Working at the golf club hasn’t just strengthened his skills; it’s also given Cole a strong work ethic and a front-row seat to a game that mirrors life in so many ways. Every round comes with its ups and downs, just like senior year. But with focus and resilience, Cole has always found a way to keep swinging.
Friends, Family, and Friday Nights
For Cole, the best memories haven’t come from solo achievements they’ve come from moments shared with the people he loves. His circle of friends has been a constant through the rollercoaster of high school, and they’ve spent countless weekends making memories around Wake Forest. Whether it’s late-night cookouts, pickup basketball games, or simply driving around town with the windows down and music turned up, Cole has soaked in every second of this final year.
And then there’s family. His biggest fans. They’ve been there at every school play, every early-morning tee time, and every milestone along the way. Cole’s bond with his family is the foundation that’s helped him grow into the young man he is today compassionate, driven, and grounded. As excited as he is for the future, leaving home in the fall will come with a healthy dose of nostalgia.
Stealing the Spotlight
While many people know Cole as the guy with a killer golf swing, those closest to him also know about his love for the stage. The drama department at school has been another place where he’s truly come alive. Whether he’s running lines backstage, perfecting a performance, or supporting his castmates during opening night jitters, Cole brings the same passion and dedication to theater as he does to everything else.
The stage has helped him grow his confidence, creativity, and leadership skills all of which will serve him well as he steps into the next chapter of his life. And for anyone who’s ever seen him perform, it’s clear: Cole knows how to make an entrance and leave a lasting impression.
Chapel Hill Bound
Ask anyone who knows Cole, and they’ll tell you he bleeds Carolina blue. A lifelong UNC fan, getting accepted into Chapel Hill was more than just a dream come true, it felt like destiny. Come fall 2025, he’ll be trading in high school halls for historic brick walkways, heading to class under the Carolina blue sky, and cheering on the Tar Heels from the student section in Kenan Stadium.
It’s a new chapter filled with excitement, opportunity, and growth but it’s also rooted in everything that’s shaped him here in Wake Forest. Cole’s ready to bring his passion, kindness, and energy to the Chapel Hill campus, knowing that his hometown has prepared him well for whatever lies ahead.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
As Cole prepares to toss his cap in the air and say goodbye to the place he’s always called home, he’s not just closing a chapter, he’s honoring it. From the fairways of the golf course to the bright lights of the auditorium, from Friday night hangouts to Sunday dinners with family, every moment has shaped the person he’s become.
His story is one that many students in the Raleigh/Wake Forest area can relate to: growing up in a town that feels just the right size, surrounded by people who care deeply, and finding your way while holding tight to your roots.
For Cole, senior year is more than just a finish line, it’s a launching pad. And while Chapel Hill may be calling, Wake Forest will always be home.
June 2, 2025
