Brady Jones has an on-stage-cameo as "security guard" in production called "I Hate Shakespeare". Photo provided by Lauryn Webb
Athens Drive High School watches many of its students arrive as freshmen and leave as seniors. Some of these seniors stand out as being leaders, scholars, athletes, and well-rounded students. One individual in particular that stands out as a senior who shines, is Brady Jones.
Many know Jones is involved in the Athens Drive theater program. While Jones is not on the stage himself, he ensures the very important technical aspects of the theater are happening correctly.
“My title for musicals and plays is official Technical Director. However, for school events, I’m called a Student Technician,” said Jones.
Just like other extracurriculars, being in the theater program calls for the ability to manage time. Many participants of the theater program have found juggling school work, rehearsals, and show dates tricky.
“Around big show dates, there’s always rehearsals that go long and late. Sometimes I’d fall behind in my school work, but I would always make sure to get it done,” said Jones.
The theater program may work a little differently than most activities at Athens. They revolve around student leadership and students mentoring underclassmen or newcomers to the program.
“The student leaders when I was a freshman and sophomore were really great,” said Jones. “When I was selected into the role, I really learned a lot about how to manage situations and I grew a lot of confidence from it.”
The class of 24’ came into Athens during the hybrid year of online and in person learning due to the pandemic. Because of this unusual format of learning, many of the seniors this year took time to adjust socially to the large high school environment.
“I’m really proud of how far I’ve come socially; my confidence levels have really improved,” said Jones.
Jones will be attending North Carolina State University in the fall of 2024. He intends to major in criminology and is hoping to pursue an investigation-based career path.
“The main reason I’ve decided to go that way is because I think more logically and enjoy critical thinking,” said Jones. “My dad was a police officer when I was younger, so I was raised with good morals.”
Looking back on his high school years, Jones feels proud of his growth and involvement in extracurriculars. However, while he is happy about his time at Athens, Jones looks forward to the future as well.
“I don’t think I would change anything; all my experiences brought me to be who and where I am,” said Jones.