Alumni succeed after East

Courtney McClure
December 16, 2009
Filed under Entertainment

Whether it is excelling in politics, communications, medicine or on the field, former Eagles have made a name for themselves.

Governmental jobs appear to be the principal occupation for alumni. One graduate from the 1969 class of seniors, Mayor Lee Myers, has practiced law since 1976. Currently serving his eighth term as the mayor of Matthews, Myers has fought long and hard to get schools built in and around the town.

“Attending East Meck made me realize that teamwork pays off. We should all work together and help out our fellow student,” said Myers.

Former state representative Jim Gulley was also an Eagle. As a student he was interested in cars and the outdoors and ran on the track team. He was also a part of the engineering, motor, and folk dancing clubs.  Gulley represented Mecklenburg County during his seven years in the House of Representatives.

“My most prominent memory of East is my wife, Suzanne, because we were high school sweethearts,” said Gulley.

Alumni have excelled in the medical field as well. Dr. Heather Smith is an East graduate who now owns her own vision care practice. After graduating from North Carolina State University, Smith purchased University Vision Care.

Like Smith, Dr. James Stuart also pursued medicine. After his years of high school and college, Dr. Stuart went on to open his own practice of general dentistry in south Charlotte.

“I enjoyed the Friday night football games. I still remember the sound of the band and the cool air,” said Dr. Stuart.

Successful athletes have also walked the halls of East. One of the best known is Pittsburgh Steelers kicker, Jeff Reed. Reed captained both the football and soccer teams during high school. In his senior year in 1997, he kicked a 54-yard field goal in a football game against Providence, setting a new school record. Reed takes pride in his years at East and visits as frequently as possible.

Llana Kavadlo graduated one year before Reed in 1996. She placed fifth in the 1999 ACC Championships for swimming and diving. Kavadlo was MVP of the swim team and was a member of the National Honor Society while in high school.

North Carolina’s own family restaurant was founded by George John Couchell. Couchell is president and owner of the trademark Showmars and small restaurant Mr. C’s.

After his graduation in 1993, Philip Chryst moved to Wilmington, North Carolina where he attended UNC-Wilmington. Chryst then sought a career in ministry and is now pastor of Warren’s Grove Church in Roxoboro.

East alumni continue to make a way for themselves.

“East really does help you prepare for college and work. East is a great opportunity to test yourself with difficult classes, challenging athletics, and lots of clubs,” said Stuart.