AMPS Louisiana Vol 2-5 by AMPS Magazine

BLACK HISTORY

Ms. LOUISIANA

A WORD FROM THE CEO

This is the teenth issue of AMPS Magazine, Louisiana Edition. I wanted to thank each and every one of you for reading this magazine and making it one of the fastest growing magazines in the south. We are touching the lives of people who we did not even know we would and inspire even a culture that we were unaware. This publication is called A.M.P.S. (American-Minority People Succeeding) for a reason. It is where Substance and Style meets Supreme Standards. Our mission is “superior application development through dedicated professionalism while maintaining a customer-centered focus to lead the industry in ideas and creative solutions”. Our event marketing and promotions department is designed to present positive entertainment and events that the Louisiana communities deserve. We specialize in helping brands create a unique connection with consumers at our events as well as create an opportunity for you to meet other business owners, executives, present and future customers, and other socialites. Simply put, “We are Accomplished By Making You Successful.”

Gerald D. Wright CEO

from the publisher

As we step into 2026, AMPS Louisiana Magazine is proud to continue our mission of serving, spotlighting, and connecting the incredible communities across our great state. Louisiana is rich with stories—stories of resilience, creativity, entrepreneurship, and heart—and we believe every community, business, and individual has a voice worth hearing. Our passion is sharing stories that matter, whether they’re big milestones or everyday victories that deserve recognition. From local business owners working to expand their reach, to community leaders making a difference, AMPS Louisiana Magazine is here to help amplify your message and celebrate your impact. We are also deeply committed to inspiring the next generation by showing our youth that with determination, hard work, and belief, anything is possible.

As we embrace a new year filled with growth and opportunity, we invite you to join us in continuing to uplift and support Louisiana communities. Thank you for your ongoing support and trust.

For advertising or subscriptions, contact us at connie@ampsmagazine. com or (214) 937-9041.

Thank you for your continued support.

Connie Morgan

Gabrelle’s journey is one defined by growth, courage, and an unwavering belief in purpose. Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, she spent the first thirteen years of her life there, growing from kindergarten through the early years of high school surrounded by community, family, and the foundation of who she would become. Eventually, her path led her back to Louisiana, where she enrolled at University of Louisiana Monroe,

Ms. Louisiana Gabrelle McLeod

better known as ULM, and has been attending for the past three and a half years. As the youngest of three girls, Gabrelle laughs when she admits she’s often called “spoiled,” but she quickly clarifies that her family dynamic is beautifully layered. While many assume the baby of the family is the most pampered or the clear favorite, she says their sisterhood is more complex than that—very much alike in love and loyalty, yet uniquely different

in personality and passion. That balance has shaped her confidence and independence in powerful ways. Life on ULM’s campus has been an experience she describes as transformative. In fact, a simple opportunity through the university’s orientation staff is what introduced her to the world of pageantry and ultimately the Miss Louisiana Organization. Her director once told her she was like a butterfly still inside her cocoon, waiting to flourish. At the time, she had no real understanding of pageants beyond watching Toddlers & Tiaras on TLC as a child. Pageantry was not part of her upbringing—sports were. Gabrelle was the definition of an athlete: soccer, softball, track, and anything that involved being outdoors, getting dirty, and pushing her limits physically. High heels and evening gowns were foreign territory. Stepping into that world felt unnatural at first, but with determination and a willingness to grow, she adapted quickly—within two weeks, she found her stride. That courage paid off when she was crowned the third African American Miss ULM in the university’s history. Holding that title carried weight far beyond a crown. She understood the significance immediately. Not only was she joining the women who paved the way before her, but she was becoming a visible trailblazer for those who would follow. In many African American communities, pageantry has not always felt welcoming or representative, and standards of beauty have historically excluded women of color. Gabrelle embraced the responsibility of expanding that definition. She saw herself as a bridge—creating space for African American women and other women of color to step confidently into arenas where they have not always been centered, reminding them that beauty exists in every shade and story. As Miss ULM, she advanced to compete in the Miss Louisiana Organization, a preliminary to Miss America. With zero pageant experience, she entered her first Miss Louisiana competition simply thinking, “Why not?” What happened next surprised even her. She placed fourth runner-up—top five in her very first attempt. For someone who had once sworn she would never wear a sash, it was a remarkable achievement. That success fueled a new passion: encouraging others to take chances, to step into leadership roles they may feel unqualified for, and to trust that growth often comes from discomfort. Still, after that accomplishment, Gabrelle initially believed her journey was complete. She was ready to be “one and done,” satisfied with her experience and eager to pass the spotlight to someone else. But I had other plans. When she was unexpectedly called into the vice president of student affairs’ office at ULM, she had no idea her decision not to return had reached university leadership so quickly. The vice president did not mince words. She told Gabrelle there was a reason she had been placed at Miss Louisiana, a reason she had been crowned Miss ULM, a reason she was sitting in that office at that moment. She was meant to go back—not just for herself, but for the young women watching her. Gabrelle walked into that meeting ready to close a chapter, but she walked out having signed up for another preliminary. Within a week, she competed for and earned the title of Miss Cane River, representing Natchitoches and Natchitoches Parish with pride. Reigning in a city rich with history and cultural

depth has been one of the most rewarding parts of her journey. She describes Louisiana as more than a state; to her, it is a family. Its culture, traditions, and sense of community are woven into everything she does as a titleholder. Representing that heritage on a larger stage feels both humbling and empowering. Beyond the crowns and stages, Gabrelle remains deeply focused on her academic and professional goals. She is completing her final semester in kinesiology and plans to pursue a master’s degree with the intention of becoming an athletic trainer at the collegiate or professional level. Athletics, her first love, remains central to her future. Pageantry may have refined her poise, public speaking, and advocacy, but sports built her resilience. Throughout it all, her family remains her anchor. Her two sisters, both now living in Texas, have been her confidantes and emotional support system. The mental and spiritual demands of being a public figure can be intense, and having sisters who love her fiercely provides a safe space to process it all. Her parents have also been unwavering pillars of encouragement. They never pressured her into any path; instead, they offered opportunities and trusted her to explore them. It was that same openness that allowed her to move from the soccer field to the stage. As she looks toward the future and prepares for the possibility of Miss America, she approaches every detail with intention—even her gown. While she absolutely loves her Miss Louisiana dress, she remains open to finding something timeless for the Miss America stage, believing that just as there was a perfect gown waiting for her at one level, there is another waiting for her at the next. Gabrelle’s story is not simply about crowns or competitions; it is about recognizing when purpose calls, even if it nudges you outside your comfort zone. It is about honoring where you come from while boldly stepping into rooms that were not always built with you in mind. From Vicksburg to Monroe, from athlete to titleholder, from hesitation to conviction, she continues to unfold—no longer a butterfly in a cocoon, but one in full flight.

Black History Spotlight

Huey P. Newton, born February 17, 1942, in Monroe, Louisiana, stands as one of the most influential and complex figures in the modern struggle for Black liberation and social justice. Remembered as a visionary activist and revolutionary thinker, Newton’s life and work reflected an unrelenting challenge to systemic racism, state violence, and economic inequality in America. As Isabel Wilkerson notes in The Warmth of Other Suns, Newton was a “son of the Great Migration,” born to sharecroppers Walter and Armelia Newton before his family fled the racial terror of the South for Oakland, California, after his father narrowly escaped lynching. That legacy of survival, resistance, and displacement shaped Newton’s political consciousness and fueled his determination to confront white supremacy head-on. In 1966, alongside Bobby Seale, he co-founded the Black Panther Party, inspired by the radical political philosophies of leaders such as Stokely Carmichael and grounded in a platform that demanded self-determination, quality housing, health care, education, and full employment for Black communities. Far more than a protest organization, the Panthers created tangible programs—feeding the hungry, educating children, and providing health services—that modeled what community empowerment could look like in practice. While the party became widely known for its insistence on the right of African Americans to defend themselves against violence, Newton’s deeper legacy lies in his belief in the collective power of the people. His assertion that “the walls, the bars, the guns and the guards can never encircle or hold down the idea of the people” continues to echo across generations, reminding us that liberation is rooted not only in resistance, but in imagination, solidarity, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.

Alex’s Journey to the Air Force

Alex’s story begins in the small town of Columbia, Louisiana, about 30 miles south of Monroe, a place where opportunities were limited but values like hard work, discipline, and perseverance were ingrained early. Like many teenagers from tight-knit rural communities, Alex started working while still in high school, motivated not by ambition or career planning at first, but simply by the desire to have a little money in his pocket and enjoy a few nice things as a young man. His first job was at the local Department of Motor Vehicles, where he worked for about a year as a custodial engineer, learning responsibility and consistency in a role that required pride in doing unglamorous but necessary work. After leaving the DMV, he moved on to a job at the Piggly Wiggly grocery store, another staple of small-town life, where he continued to build a work ethic that would later serve him well. Alex graduated from Caldwell Parish High School in May of 1986, and within less than a year, his life took a dramatic turn when he found himself at boot camp in San Antonio, Texas, at Lackland Air Force Base in February of 1987. When asked why he chose the Air Force over other branches of the military, Alex reflects that it wasn’t a calculated decision rooted in strategy or long-term planning, but rather a mix of family influence and personal instinct. His cousins, Terry and Tony Gray, were in the Army, as was his uncle, affectionately known as Uncle Pumpkin, yet something about the Army just didn’t resonate with him. He wouldn’t necessarily say it wasn’t technical enough, but he knew in his heart it wasn’t the right fit. The moment of clarity came from an unexpected source: his oldest sister Judy’s boyfriend at the time, Paul, who was in the Air Force. Alex vividly remembers seeing Paul’s official Air Force photograph in uniform and thinking to himself that if he ever joined the military, that was the branch he wanted to be part of. With few opportunities available in Columbia and encouragement from his parents to “get on out of here and make something out of yourself,” Alex committed to the Air Force and never looked back. Doing well on the ASVAB gave him options, and his recruiter guided him toward an administrative career field, ex-

plaining that based on his scores, he could choose a path that fit his strengths. That became the driving force behind his Air Force career. Alex went on to serve an impressive 24 years, one month, and 13 days, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant, a senior noncommissioned officer position that represented both leadership and experience. Although he would have stayed longer, Air Force regulations limited how long he could remain without advancing further to Senior Master Sergeant or Chief, and at that point, Alex felt he had accomplished everything he set out to achieve. He had earned his rank, fulfilled his goals, and, just as importantly, he had seen the world. Retirement became an easier decision knowing another job awaited him on the outside. The travel opportunities alone made his military career extraordinary. Before joining the Air Force, Alex had barely left Louisiana, aside from a childhood trip to Six Flags, but after boot camp he was sent to Virginia for his first duty station, followed by participation in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, a one-year assignment in Korea, and then four years in England. From Europe, he moved on to Japan for three years, then returned stateside for assignments in Arizona and California, ultimately retiring after five more years back in Arizona. Each location expanded his understanding of the world, exposing him to different cultures, foods, and perspectives. Alex often laughs when people ask why he doesn’t travel much anymore, explaining that during his military career he visited countries most people don’t even realize exist. Those experiences reshaped how he sees the world, breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions, particularly about places like Africa, which many people wrongly assume are defined only by poverty. Instead, he witnessed major metropolitan cities, vibrant economies, and proud cultures that challenged narrow thinking and broadened his horizons. Through it all, Alex emphasizes that military life can be tough, especially when you’re young, but structure, discipline, and patience are key. If you can handle someone telling you what to do, he says, you’ll eventually become the person giving the orders. His advice to young people, especially those from small towns like Columbia, is simple but powerful: you don’t have to stay where you start unless you choose to, and if you do stay, be great at it. Taking a leap into the unknown, whether by joining the military or pursuing opportunities elsewhere, often leads to greater success, broader acceptance, and a fuller understanding of the world, making the plunge well worth the risk.

Kerrigan Carter

Kerrigan Carter is a senior at Ouachita Parish High School, where she has distinguished herself through her commitment to the band, her leadership roles, her academic achievements, and her involvement in multiple organizations that reflect both her dedication and her diverse range of talents. For four years, Kerrigan has been a member of the school band, where she plays the bass drum, an instrument she has not only mastered but grown to genuinely love. She explains that she was placed in percussion during middle school, and when she transitioned to high school and had to audition, percussion was the area she felt most confident in. Although she didn’t initially feel skilled at any other instrument, she soon found her rhythm— literally and figuratively—on the bass drum. Over the years, she has not only developed her musical abilities but also earned a leadership position as percussion captain on the bass line for the past two years. She says that staying on bass drum all four years has allowed her to grow deeply connected to the instrument, and she wouldn’t want to switch to anything else. Her dedication to the band is only one part of her high-school journey. She is also a three-year member of the Gridiron crew, helping support the football team through behind-thescenes work that contributes to school spirit and game-day traditions. In addition, Kerrigan has been a member of the National Honor Society for two years and currently serves as its vice president, a role that reflects her academic excellence and commitment to service. She is also a member of the 27 ACT Club and is enrolled in DE and AP courses, demonstrating her determination to challenge herself academically.

field; instead, it inspired her to pursue it. She believes that because she understands what it feels like to be on the other side of the therapist’s office, she could provide others with a more compassionate, relatable, and meaningful therapeutic experience. While she once considered other paths—such as becoming a veterinarian because of her love for animals, or an interior designer because of her creativity—she ultimately chose psychology because of how personal and impactful it is to her. She wants to help people heal from the kinds of emotional struggles she understands firsthand.

Looking beyond her high-school years, Kerrigan has clear and thoughtful plans for her future. After graduation, she hopes to attend Louisiana Tech University, where she plans to major in psychology with the goal of becoming a licensed trauma therapist. She hasn’t yet decided whether she will pursue a minor, but the foundation of her career choice is deeply personal. Kerrigan explains that, like many people, she has faced challenges in her life. Therapy became part of her experience due to family circumstances, but she didn’t have a positive experience with the therapist she was assigned. That difficult experience did not turn her away from the mental-health

Although Kerrigan is not involved in traditional school sports, her background in the performing arts is extensive. She began dancing at just two years old and joined competition dance around age seven. For years, she performed in school ballets during field trips, sometimes participating in multiple productions each season. Dance was a major part of her childhood and early teen years, but she made the decision to stop right before high school so she could fully commit to the band. Even though she has always wanted to try soccer or volleyball, the scheduling conflicts have never allowed it. When asked why she chose Louisiana Tech as her top college choice, Kerrigan shares that her family has deep roots there. Her mother and aunt attended Tech, and she has a cousin who’s currently enrolled, and many of her friends already go there—including friends in the band whom she is excited to reconnect with. She toured the campus and loved its atmosphere, especially the strong student involvement and the welcoming environment she observed at the academic booths. She also believes Tech’s psychology program will be a great fit for her goals, and she plans to continue participating in band throughout college for as long as she can.

Outside of school, Kerrigan is heavily involved in her church, Swartz First Baptist, which she has attended for several years. Her church involvement includes singing on the youth worship team, helping lead worship on Wednesday nights, singing on Sunday mornings, and serving on the youth leadership team. She also plays piano, something she began teaching herself only a couple of years ago. She describes herself as not extremely skilled yet, but able to play the ba-

sics well enough to contribute to her worship team. Her love for piano has a special origin: her grandmother, who lived in Many, Louisiana, used to play piano at her church, and Kerrigan always thought the sound was beautiful. She wanted to learn from a young age, but her family didn’t have a piano or the means to buy one. Eventually, her grandmother’s church generously offered to give their piano to Kerrigan’s family and even had it tuned for her, something she describes as a meaningful gift that allowed her to finally explore an instrument she had admired for so long. Having access to that piano opened a new door for her creatively and spiritually, giving her another way to express herself and contribute to her community.

Through all her activities—band, leadership roles, academic excellence, church involvement, and her passion for helping others—Kerrigan Carter has built a high-school legacy rooted in dedication, compassion, and personal growth. Whether marching on the field with her bass drum, serving her peers, or preparing for a career focused on healing and understanding, she carries herself with purpose and heart. As she moves toward graduation and the next chapter of her life, she does so with a clear sense of direction and the confidence that her experiences have prepared her to make a meaningful impact on others.

The Wave King Rising

From Columbia, Louisiana to the mic — how Christopher Allen turned his roots, struggles, and reflections into rhythm and soul.

Born Into Music

Christopher Allen, better known by his stage name Kris Cruze, was born in Dallas, Texas, and reared in the small town of Columbia, Louisiana, where his love for music began long before he ever stepped into a studio. Coming from a deeply creative family, music runs through his veins. His mother, grandmother, and aunts are all gospel singers, filling church halls with rich harmonies and heartfelt praise. His father was a rapper, bringing rhythm and lyricism to the family mix.

“Music’s in my DNA,” Chris says proudly. “From my mom and my grandmother to my dad—it’s something that was already inside me before I even knew what it was.”

As a kid, Chris played drums for his mother, learning early how to keep a rhythm steady and a crowd moving. That foundation—born from gospel, soul, and love—would later influence the unique cadence of his flow as a rapper. “When I was younger, I didn’t realize I was training my ear,” he explains. “Now I see how much those early days shaped me.”

Finding His Identity as “Kris Cruze”

As a teenager, Chris began experimenting with recording, eventually putting together his first demo tape. But it was in college that his stage name—and artistic identity—started to take shape.

“I met these two brothers, Playboy and Stacks,” he recalls. “We started a group called Swaged Out Ballers. We were just a bunch of talented dudes trying to put our wave on campus. We came up with this idea of being ‘Wave Kings,’ like Poseidon—the god of the ocean. The energy, the flow, the control—it all made sense.”

That concept became the inspiration behind his moniker. “Cruze came from that idea of control—like cruise control,” he says. “Controlling the wave, the beat, the momentum, the flow. That’s how I became Kris Cruze. It was about creating an aura and a whole presentation.”

Trials, Turmoil, and Triumph

Like the tide he often references, Kruz’s career has ebbed and flowed with highs and lows, successes and setbacks. “It’s been a long road,” he admits. “A lot of ups and downs, a lot of turmoil and backstabbing. My musical journey mirrors my life—sometimes it’s beautiful, sometimes it’s hard, but it’s

always real.”

His upcoming single “Flirting with Death” captures that very sentiment. The track is part of his forthcoming album “Trials and Tribulations,” the third installment in his Wave King series. It’s an introspective body of work that reflects his evolution as both a man and an artist.

“This project is about life’s journey,” he says. “It’s about what it takes to become who you’re supposed to be—through pain, through mistakes, through growth.”

Rapping From the Heart

Chris’s connection to rap started long before he even knew what it was. “My mom used to punish me when I was little,” he laughs. “I was about six or seven, walking back and forth from wall to wall, cursing and rhyming. I guess I was freestyling before I even knew it.”

That instinctive rhythm stuck with him, evolving into his signature style today. Freestyling remains his truest form of expression. “I freestyle most of my music,” he says. “I’ve never seen myself as a great writer. Freestyling just feels more personal. It’s like a mirror—it’s self-reflection.”

For Cruze, rap is more than entertainment; it’s therapy. “It’s a way to vent and release,” he says. “When I freestyle, I’m not just making songs—I’m processing life. The money helps, sure, but that’s never been my motivation. My music is my way of understanding my experiences.”

A Personal Album: Traveling Tribulations

Chris’s new album, Trials and Tribulations“,” may be his most personal yet. It digs deep into themes of family, faith, and redemption. “I talk about my son Bryson, my mom, and the experiences I had before I went to prison,” he shares. “Ev-

ery song is a story about something I lived through and learned from. It’s my journey in music form.”

The difference between Traveling Tribulations and his previous projects is the relatability. In earlier releases, Cruze collaborated with his longtime producer Ben Swavy, whom he met in Seattle while signed to Universal Records. While those records carried his signature sound, they also blended West Coast and Southern influences.

“This time, I wanted to get back to my roots,” Chris explains. “Ben’s from the West, I’m from the South. We made great music together, but I needed something that really felt like home.”

He’s now working closely with his younger brother to fine-tune every lyric and beat, ensuring the music connects on a deeper level. “It’s not just for one type of person,” he says. “Whether you’re from the streets, the suburbs, or somewhere in between—there’s something here you can relate to.”

Lessons for the Next Generation

Having navigated the music industry for years, Cruze knows its highs and pitfalls. His advice for up-and-coming artists is straightforward and honest: trust your instincts.

“Go with your gut,” he says firmly. “Don’t do what people tell you just because it sounds good. I’ve been in four or five contracts over my career, and each one took a piece of me. When you’re young and hungry, you’ll sign anything to chase your dream. But those bad deals—they hurt.”

He’s seen promising opportunities vanish because of bad management or broken promises. “It’s painful,” he admits. “But it taught me that not every opportunity is meant for you. You can’t please everybody—you’ve got to make the decisions that are best for your music and for you.”

In an era where independent artists can thrive without major labels, Cruze emphasizes the power of self-belief. “You don’t need a big company behind you anymore,” he says. “If you’ve got the right team and the right work ethic, you can win. Focus on quality. Invest in your sound. Be patient. It takes time, but it’s worth it.”

Caldwell Roots, Global Vision

No matter where life takes him, Kris Cruze never forgets where he came from. “I’m from Caldwell Parish, that’s my home,” he says with pride. “That’s where my people are. That’s who I represent.”

He carries that small-town spirit into every project, hoping to inspire others from similar backgrounds. “I want people to see that no matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid,” he says. “Keep your community in your heart, and keep moving forward.”

Fans can find him on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat under @KrisCruze or @WaveKing, where he shares updates, freestyles, and glimpses into his creative process.

A New Wave of Independence

Chris is shaking things up with his next release strategy. Instead of relying solely on streaming platforms, he’s creating his own lane—literally.

“I’m launching a website and selling the full album for one dollar,” he reveals. “One dinero—for the whole project.” While a few singles like Flirting with Death will appear on major streaming services, the complete album will only be available on his site. “I want to give my fans something real,” he says. “I’m putting together promotional campaigns to drive traffic to the site and see what kind of success we can create together.”

It’s a bold move in an industry dominated by algorithms and middlemen—but Cruze has always believed in betting on himself. “At the end of the day, I’m doing it my way this time,” he says with conviction. “It’s about ownership, independence, and connection.”

Riding the Wave Forward

From his gospel roots in Louisiana to his freestyles of reflection and release, Kris Cruze has built a career defined by authenticity. His story isn’t just one of fame or fortune—it’s about endurance, evolution, and staying true to the rhythm of his soul.

“I’ve been through trials, but I’ve also seen blessings,” he says. “Every scar, every lesson, every song—it’s all part of who I am. I’m just trying to share that with the world.”

As the Wave King continues to chart his own course, one thing is certain: Kris Cruze isn’t just making music—he’s making waves.

Retire with confidence.

Maple Ford is a senior at Ouachita Paris High School, and throughout her high-school career, she has become deeply involved in several organizations that have helped shape not only her school experience but also her sense of purpose and direction in life. Her main organization is Gridiron, where she has served as a two-year captain. Maple explains that she originally joined Gridiron simply to have something to do at school, but as time went on, the group became much more meaningful to her.

WhatMaple Ford

started as a casual involvement transformed into a genuine commitment as she and her team members began taking on greater responsibilities. Gridiron, she says, is a unique non-performing organization that plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in supporting the football team. If someone attends a football game and sees the large run-through signs that the players burst through as they take the field, chances are Gridiron made them. The group also organizes games during pep rallies, prepares treat bags for players, and generally works to create an uplifting, spirited atmosphere. Maple describes the organization as a way to show love and appreciation to the football team—a backbone group that doesn’t perform on the field but helps keep the excitement and tradition of Friday night lights alive. In addition to Gridiron, Maple is also part of the medical professions program at her school, a choice inspired by her long-standing desire to become a nurse. She says she has always felt called to help others and to give back to her community in any way she can. Being in the medical professions club allows her to begin nurturing that passion early, giving her exposure to skills and values that she hopes to carry into her future career. Maple is also a member of the Student Government Association (SGA), a decision she made because she wanted to serve her classmates directly and help make their senior year as memorable and meaningful as possible. Beyond her school activities,

Maple is consistently active in her community. She describes herself as outgoing and service-driven, someone who enjoys volunteering and showing up for others whenever she’s needed. Over the summer, she volunteered at a nursing home, an art camp, and her church, keeping herself busy with opportunities to give back. Her time at the nursing home stands out as especially

meaningful; she recalls participating in a variety of activities such as handing out popsicles, helping with movie nights, and even bringing a petting zoo—featuring her own bunny—to brighten the residents’ day. She loved becoming a familiar face there, listening to the residents’ stories, and hearing their reflections on how times have changed. Those experiences strengthened her passion for caregiving and further affirmed her desire to enter the medical field.

Whenasked if nursing was always her top career choice, Maple explains that she once wanted to become an OBGYN. However, she realized that the role would not allow her to be as present in the ongoing care of patients as she wanted to be. She wants to be handson, involved, and consistently available to help, which is why nursing became the clearer and more heartfelt path. Her long-term goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), though she plans to start as a Registered Nurse (RN). No matter which setting she eventually works in, Maple says her purpose will remain the same: to help as many people as possible, whether through her knowledge, her skills, or her simple willingness to listen and support those in need. Although she hasn’t finalized her college decision yet, she is excited about what the future holds and is keeping her options open. Along with her academic and service-based pursuits, Maple also participated in homecoming court.

Atthe end of her junior year, students were invited to run, and she found out that she made the court. The football team then voted on the football sweetheart from a group of 18 candidates, while the student body voted on the queen and maid of honor. Those three—football sweetheart, queen, and maid of honor—make up what Maple describes as “the royals,” and the remaining senior maids form the court. Through all these experiences—whether serving her school, caring for her community, or preparing for a future in healthcare—Maple Ford continues to build a legacy defined by service, leadership, and compassion, all while striving to leave a mark that will last long after graduation.

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HOMECOMING 2025

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