CWR Staff

Amanda Holliday

Director of Center for Writing and Reasoning

Born in Charlottesville, VA -- raised in Wilmington, NC
Salutatorian Class of 1993, Cape Fear Academy
BA in English from UNC Chapel Hill with minors in Creative Writing and African American Studies
M.Ed. in Curriculum Studies from UNC Wilmington
Teacher of Journalism and English for over 20 years
English Department Head for grades 6-12 at CFA for 10+ years
Mother of Tala and wife of L. Cade Holliday - owner of Holliday Construction LLC

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Esmee Martinez

Director of Marketing (Senior)

Hi, I'm Esmee! I am so excited to be one of the Directors of Marketing for the writing mentor program again this year. I have always loved to write, whether it was a short story, poem, essay, or even a song. I have taken Honors English classes and AP Seminar, AP English Language Composition, AP Research and I'm currently enrolled in AP English Literature. With these courses, I have learned how to become a better writer and how to challenge myself in my writing. As a writing mentor, I have gained the pleasure of helping others with their own writing, which has helped me in my own writing as well. I hope to spread my love of writing and reading with others through this program because I believe that they are incredibly important life skills to have. I can't wait for this year's writing mentor program!

John Dugan

Director of Marketing (Junior)

As a student writer, I have always taken the most rigorous courses allowed for me. Current writing intensive courses I am enrolled in are AP Language Composition and AP Seminar. I am not going to be an English major---I actually will go to college for engineering---but I understand the key importance of writing skills across multiple different disciplines and how it impacts your overall success. I see writing as a connection not restricted to literature but something we can all sharpen no matter what we are doing.

Bryce Cornelison

Director of Data (Junior)

Hi I’m Bryce and I’m currently a junior. In the past I’ve been in a number of writing intensive classes that have really helped me strengthen my writing skills over the years. Currently I’m taking AP Language, AP Seminar, and AP US History, which are probably my most writing intensive classes. In my writing I try to challenge myself and try new techniques along with writing in different styles depending on the assignment. As a writing mentor I will try and spread this to the student, trying to get them to challenge themselves, with the hope of ending with something the students happy with.

WRITING MENTORS

Addie Fikry

Junior

Hi, I'm Addie! I am passionate about all forms of writing and reading, whether that may be creative, research focused, or AP structured. To me, writing is an important skill meant to aid in exploring ideas, connecting with others, and finding your own voice.I’ve taken all writing classes available to me so far, including Honors English 9, Honors English 10, and AP World History. I’m currently enrolled in AP Seminar and AP U.S. History. Additionally, I love the sciences and am a budget analyst at YAG and a member of SGA, all experiences that have taught me to write thoroughly and thoughtfully. I love to work together and I value everyone's voices being heard so I am excited to be a writing mentor!

Airlie Corder

Junior

Hello, my name is Airlie Corder, and I am currently a junior at Cape Fear Academy. This is my sixth year at CFA, during which I have taken numerous English classes, with a variety of teachers, as well as other courses which emphasize writing skills. Last year, I completed Honors English 10 and AP Seminar. This year I am enrolled in AP Language and Composition, and AP U.S. History. Each of these classes require different styles of writing with various rubrics. Through my years at CFA, I have become familiar with many of the teachers and their expectations for writing assignments, which helps me be a better writing mentor!

Alex Ord Webb

Junior

Hey there, I´m Alex and I´m a Junior who has been at CFA for 4 years. I have been through Honors English 7-10, AP Lang, AP Seminar, AP World, and AP US History- and would be glad to guide you on any of these subjects! Furthermore, I am the HighTide staff leader of Writing and the president of the National History Day Club. I´m very excited to help you with any poetry, essay, or short story you'd like!

Avery Hixon

Junior

My name is Avery Hixon and I am a junior at Cape Fear Academy. I have been at CFA since 7th grade, and this is my first year as a writing mentor. I have really enjoyed working face to face with students, and helping them take their writing to the next level. Being a writing mentor has helped me further my own writing by asking myself questions that I ask some of the students I mentor. I have taken all honors english classes since I have been at Cape Fear Academy, and I am currently in AP language and composition. I also took AP World History which helped my writing by working on document based questions which are very similar to the synthesis writing I have done in both Honors English 10, and AP Language. I am currently in AP Seminar and we are working on writing Research Reports.

Azra Basaga

Junior

Hi, I’m Azra, a junior at CFA! I’ve been at CFA for 12 years and have always enjoyed writing. In high school, I’ve taken Honors English 9 and 10, along with AP Language, AP Seminar, and APUSH, and I’ll be taking AP Lit and AP Research next year. Outside of class, I’m involved in Youth and Government, where I’ve served in the legislative branch and will be a Presiding Officer. I’m also a peer mentor, secretary/treasurer for Beta Club, and I run my own club. I’m part of the RYLA program and volunteer in my community. I’m excited to be a writing mentor and help other students feel more confident in their writing.

Bertie Brookes

Junior

Hi, I'm Bertie and I'm a junior! I love writing because of its flexibility, and how there are so many different ways to express yourself. I'm so excited to continue working as a writing mentor and hope to help as many students as possible find the writing method that works best for them. CFA's writing program has curated my love for writing, and I hope our program can do the same for the mentees. In my previous years I have taken H English 9 and 10, along with AP Seminar and AP World. This year I am taking AP Language and AP Research. I also participate in SGA and the peer mentoring program, which also allow me to be an active member in the CFA community.

Georgia Ann Morgan

Junior

As a writer, I have learned the importance of grammar and spelling; however, the importance of what you write about adds to your story. I think every voice is different, and it means a lot to me when you have confidence in both a story and your voice. And it's important to me that I can help teach other kids about their voice. I am enrolled in AP Language, AP Psychology, and AP U.S. History. I have been in both honors 9th and 10th grade English, AP World, and honors Bio. Outside of school, I have volunteered at my church to teach and tutor kids.

Mary Gibbs

Junior

Hi, I'm Mary Gibbs, a current Junior at Cape Fear Academy. I am an all-A student; I have taken English 6-8, Honors English 9-10, Social Studies 6-8, Honors Civics and Economics, AP World History, and I am currently taking AP Language and AP US History. I have a passion for writing, and I have had some pieces published in High Tide. I am a member of the Hightide Literary Magazine club, National History Day Club, and Model UN club. I have had a lot of experience with writing, and I hope I can help you with whatever writing assignment you need!

Maura Stickle

Junior

Hi, I'm Maura! I'm currently a junior at CFA and have been here for about 6 years now. During this time I have taken almost every writing class that CFA has to offer, including Honors English 9, Honors English 10, AP Seminar, AP World, and am currently taking AP Lang, APUSH, and AP Research. Outside of these classes I also participate in Speech and Debate, where I work on writing speeches that argue both sides of a topic using evidence and data. I'm so excited to help you work on any essays, short stories, or speeches!

Maya Whitwell

Junior

I am Maya Whitwell and I am a junior. I have taken Honors English 9 and 10, AP Seminar, and AP World History. I am currently in AP Lang and APUSH as well. I also participate in the Judicial branch of YAG where I write 4 argumentative briefs to present. I love writing and helping others make their writing better!

Ava Claire Ott

Sophomore

As a 10th grade student, I am currently enrolled in Honors English 10 and AP World History, both of which have strengthened my analytical writing skills and evidence-based reasoning. I especially enjoy these classes, building my knowledge of writing skills for my future classes and as a mentor to CFA. As a writing mentor, I look forward to helping others positively refine their ideas and develop confidence with their own writing, as well as strengthening my own understanding of effective writing in the process.

Ethan Gatt

Sophomore

I am a 10th grade sophomore who loves sports, music, and an involved in other extracurriculars like president of Spanish club, sophomore honor council representative, sophomore vice president, and other clubs. I am interested in historical and non fiction novels, and my favorite book is Everything we Never Had. I am currently in honors English 10 with Mrs. Holiday, and was previously with Mr. Woeste in honors English 9. I have also competed at the national level for the national catholic daughter’s association with my essay on forgiveness.

Kelly Quinlan

Sophomore

Hello, I'm Kelly Quinlan and am currently a sophomore at CFA.

Courses I have taken and/or are currently enrolled in include Honors English 9, Honors English 10, AP World History, and AP Seminar. In addition to this, I also take part in the YMCA Youth and Government program, being a bill writer and member of the legislative branch, essentially writing bills to present at conference! Outside of school I play lacrosse and volunteer in my community and church. I enjoy all types of writing from long essays, to short memoirs. I am excited to be a writing mentor this year and assist students in any way I can!

Millie Heaney

Sophomore

My love of writing began with my love for reading, and has grown into something vital to my everyday life. From entering stories and poems to High Tide to drafting research essays in Biology and AP Seminar, writing is my passion and inspiration, as well as an outlet for my ideas. Now, as a writing mentor, I am so grateful to have the experience of spreading my love of writing to other students, as well! The writing intensive classes I have taken or are currently taking are Honors English 9, Honors English 10, and AP Seminar. I am also a High Tide staff leader and have been featured in the magazine many times. On top of this, I compete in Youth and Government Court of Appeals and have experience writing legal briefs.

Owen Holt

Sophomore

I am a 10th grade student who loves to write about my personal experiences in sports or other activities. I love to read all kinds of books but my favorite has been the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I also enjoy creative projects that let me explore ideas using literature. Currently I am enrolled in honors English 10 in Mrs. Holliday’s class. My past writing classes have been honors English 9 with Mr. Woeste and English 8 with Dr. Vanscoy. Outside of class I am also a part of clubs such as debate, Yag, DECA and National History Day.

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