CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Although high school seniors are facing unusual challenges this year, some have answered the call with outstanding performance.

 

What You Need To Know

  • Gabby Haynes is a senior at Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte

  • She is a student-athlete who is a power forward and captain of the women's varsity basketball team

  • She will receive a $1,000 scholarship for college expenses

Silent for much of the year, high school basketball courts are starting to sound more familiar. The pandemic-altered season kicks off for Mallard Creek High School and others statewide in January. Senior power forward Shania Haynes, who goes by "Gabby," is aiming to end this part of her high school career on high note.

Like other high school high achievers we've introduced you to this year, student leaders like Gabby have also gotten a real-life lesson in bouncing through numerous hoops.

"It's a 3-man weave, we usually run it to start up the practice,” she says during an evening practice.

She doesn't just hold a key offensive position. "Gabby will be the captain this year," explains Clarence Johnson, women's varsity basketball coach.

She's an athletic leader who is also defending a 3.54 GPA, juggling activities such as being a member of the National Honor Society, and volunteering through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

"She's a great leader, a good student-athlete, and a good example for the rest of the girls," Johnson adds.

For Mallard Creek administrators, Gabby is nothing short of a stand-out.

"The fact that she is not just focused on self...she's still giving back," says Mallard Creek High School Principal Jennifer Dean.

"Receiving," however, certainly isn't what motivates Gabby. Nonetheless, she's now getting some payoff for years of dedication.

"Definitely interest in Saint Andrews or Guilford College or Pheiffer University to pursue my nursing degree in nurse practitioner," Gabby says about her future goals.

Gabby's dad says families always face many decisions during a student's senior year of high school. He said cost is a concern, for example.

It's clear Gabby has not only prepared herself, but has inspired younger generations on how to do the same.

Johnson, who nominated Gabby, said she's clearly a worthy recipient. "She's been playing with us since the 9th grade and she's constantly been super-duper involved in the program. She's a spokesman for the program and it's always important for us to be loyal to the kids that stick with us and do the right thing, and we wanted to highlight somebody that does it the right way."

Gabby is number 145 out of a massive senior class of 545 students. She received the 2018-2019 coach's award for leadership.

"For the folks out there watching today on Spectrum News 1, know that your children too can be like Gabby and do great things in our community, both on the court and off the court," says State Senator Mujtaba Mohammed, N.C.-38 (D).

Mohammed, who representes the district which includes Mallard Creek High, announced Gabby as the Spectrum News 1 High School Scholar of the Week. She gets a $1,000 scholarship for college expenses.