Flying under the radar as one of the school’s brightest students, senior Sam Fulkerson adeptly balances a hefty school workload with his responsibilities as the staff ace on NC’s varsity baseball team.

Boasting a robust 4.5 GPA and a 2190 SAT score, Fulkerson places himself in the upper echelon of NC academics. He rides this success to Georgia Tech, where he plans to major in business administration with a focus in finance.

“A business administration major provides an open door into the political world,” Fulkerson said.

This season, Fulkerson shoulders the responsibility of leading a young pitching staff on the varsity baseball team. Last year’s seniors mentored Sam, a first-time varsity player last season, and left a lasting effect on him. He hopes to exude a similar presence in the locker room this year.

“If we’re not a tight knit group, we have no chance to compete, so as a senior, I need to make sure there is good team chemistry,” Fulkerson said.

Armed with a high-80s fastball, a lethal slider, an effective changeup, and a consistent curveball, Fulkerson profiles as a top pitcher in the region.

Along with two friends, Fulkerson started the “What If?” club at NC. The club, which holds a loyal following, discusses far-reaching possibilities had historical events occurred another way. Additionally, he participates in Model UN, winning a position paper award at the UGA conference this past month.

“He’s very intellectual, but he brings not only intellect, but humor to a classroom. For an athlete, that’s really cool,” Mrs. Biddy, AP Comparative Government and What If? Club sponsor, said.

But the extracurriculars do not stop there. Fulkerson remains an active member of ultimate frisbee club, maintains a job a local frozen yogurt shop Zoyo, and mentored for The Chant last semester.

Fulkerson’s dedication and outgoing persona contribute to making him a star student and standout athlete.