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Cumberland County Schools Standout Seniors 2022

Facing challenges head-on, Jedidiah Coon succeeds in classroom, sports – and life

Cape Fear High School senior ready for the workforce

Jed Coon says he learned 'how to forgive and forget, how to take care of myself and how to be responsible' at Cape Fear High School.
Cumberland County Schools
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For Jedidiah “Jed” Coon, life hasn’t always been easy. 

Though he has faced many challenges, the Cape Fear High School senior chose to embrace opportunity. Jed was welcomed by a friend’s family who provided unconditional encouragement and support during his junior and senior years of high school. 

Jed maintained As and Bs throughout his senior year. For the past three years, he was a member of the varsity lacrosse team. He is also in the Key Club. In addition to excelling at school, Jed has a job, working from 15 to 35 hours per week.

Jed has especially enjoyed lacrosse and was named team captain. This year, Cape Fear’s team includes many young players, which has given Jed an opportunity to be a role model for his teammates.

“Jed’s teachers and coach agree that Jed is hardworking, respectful and a true leader,” said Christy Parker, a teacher at Cape Fear. “Jed sets a positive example for members of his team and often takes the lead in guiding freshman players.”

For Jed, helping others is a must. Even when he is having a rough day, he tries to check in with those around him. He hopes others will remember him as someone who is always trying to cheer up people and be a light on dark days.

One of Jed’s proudest accomplishments is becoming an Eagle Scout. Jed has been in Boy Scouts since the first grade and accumulated about 100 hours of community service. For his Eagle Project, he built a gaga ball pit for a nonprofit organization that builds parks and helps military families, especially those who have lost a loved one while serving. 

After graduating, Jed will attend trade school. He wants to be an electrician or HVAC technician.

As he looks back on his time at Cape Fear, he is thankful for teachers like Angela Spry, who has made a lasting impression on him.

“Angela Spry has taught me so many things about life,” Jed said. “How to forgive and forget, how to take care of myself and how to be responsible. But one thing I will never forget: ‘It takes a lifetime to build trust and an instant to lose it.’”

Jed’s childhood wasn’t always easy, but he thanks the teachers at Cape Fear and a strong support system that made him proud of who he is today. 

“Through it all, the biggest thing I have learned is to try and keep calm and positive in all situations and worry about the things you can control,” Jed said. “For the things you can't control, flow with them, not against them.”

Editor’s note: This is one in a series of stories about the Standout Seniors of 2022 as selected by Cumberland County Schools.

Fayetteville, Cumberland County, education, Cape Fear High School, graduation

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