E.E. Smith graduate aims to ‘strive for greatness’ with goal of becoming FBI agent

Each year, Cumberland County Schools names a graduating senior at each high school as a Standout Senior. The 17 2023 Standout Seniors are bright, hard-working students who have overcome the odds to graduate and dedicate themselves to serving their community.

To learn more about their plans to attend college, serve in the military or begin their careers, go to www.ccs.k12.nc.us/graduation.

Brandon Klinger will graduate from E.E. Smith High School. Here is what he had to say about his high school years and his future:

• What accomplishment are you most proud of or what do you want to be remembered for?

I am most proud of how I have overcome the obstacles thrown at me throughout my high school career, e.g., COVID-19, numerous military moves, etc. I would want to be remembered as someone who was always willing to lead others to greatness. 

• What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to major in psychology and then become an FBI agent.

• How many volunteer hours have you accrued?

During my high school career, I have accrued 150+ volunteer hours. 

• Please list your extracurricular activities and tell us about your favorite.

Color Guard and Drill Team. My favorite is Color Guard because it is the most technical team in JROTC and one of the most respected. Color Guard requires mastery in drill and patience. I have competed in Color Guard throughout my junior and senior years and served as the Color Guard commander both years. I have done competitions with other schools and have won first-place awards twice. I competed in both varsity and first-year at my previous high school. 

• Do you have a self-statement or a favorite quote that best describes you and your aspirations for the future?

I tend to live by this quote: “Don’t let your mistakes define you. Overcome past obstacles and strive for greatness.”

• How do you feel that Cumberland County Schools has prepared you for your future?

Cumberland County Schools has allowed me to partake in a diverse environment that I had not been exposed to before. The diversity allowed me to work with others and understand a community that was different from what I was accustomed to. I have also been given many opportunities like the Standout Senior and “Who Dat” Student of the Month to prove my excellence.

• Is there someone on staff in the school system (a teacher, administrator, coach, etc.) who has made a lasting impression on you? What lesson did they teach you that you will always remember?

There are many teachers here who have shown me gracious courtesy and have welcomed me. One teacher who has stood out to me would be Karen McLean. Ms. Mac, as she prefers to be called, motivated me and was one of the first teachers to help me believe in myself. One lesson that was shared that has left a lasting impression on me would be when she taught us to always take into consideration the other person’s story.

• What elementary school did you attend (include city and state)?

I have attended multiple elementary schools. They include the following: Pikes Peak Elementary School in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Barnette Elementary School in El Paso, Texas; Desertaire Elementary School in El Paso, Texas; and Woodriver Elementary School in Fairbanks, Alaska.

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