Fifteen-year-old Mary-Payton Pendergrass, or as many people know her M.P., is a sophomore this year and has lived in Ocean Isle Beach her entire life. 

“I love spending time with friends and family at the beach or on the waterway,” said Pendergrass. “ I would do it everyday if I could.” 

Pendergrass has many passions but playing soccer and volleyball has to be her greatest. In May of 2024 Pendergrass unfortunately tore her ACL. Pendergrass is working hard on recovery and plans to be fully back by June of 2025. 

“Soccer is my favorite,” said Pendergrass. “I have been playing for eleven years, and center-mid is my favorite position. I love controlling the center of the field and creating opportunities for me and especially my teammates to score.” 

Due to her pause in sports, she has begun looking for other passions and hobbies. Pendergass has picked up sports photography and has started an Instagram account in hopes the photos reach the right audience. 

“Taking photos is so much fun,” said Pendergrass. “I’m still learning but I think it’s something I can still get a lot better at and I love capturing all the moments of a game.” 

Pendergass also has a very busy school life. She loves staying involved and is the SGA secretary, as well as the VP of Marketing for DECA. She also joined Key Club this year as well.  

While Pendergrass isn’t 100 percent set on what she wants to do when she’s older she knows she would like to do something in the sport field, and UNC Chapel Hill is her dream school. That is one reason this class sparked her interest, she wanted to learn more about the sports aspect of journalism and photography. 

“I have heard so many great things about this class.” Pendergrass said. “ I have been excited for it ever since I first walked in the doors my freshman year and can’t wait to continue this class for as long as possible.”