If these young people are our future, then I think we’re going to be just fine.
For the past few years, I’ve mentored some of the brightest students at Carrboro High School. They’ve told me about their passion projects, their dreams for what comes next and the AP exams and college applications looming ahead. In turn, I’ve offered college and career advice and shared the ups and downs of my own winding path through journalism – trying to be the person I wish I’d had to talk to at 17. Their questions are remarkably thoughtful, and I always leave our conversations with the same simple takeaway: This is an ambitious, fearless bunch, ready to take on the world.
The driving force behind this mentorship program is teacher Raquel Harris – a beam of sunshine, a steady source of encouragement and a champion of creativity. She and fellow teacher Matthew Murchison launched a poet laureate competition at Carrboro High in 2023 that has since grown into a districtwide initiative spanning all three high schools.
That same enthusiasm inspired the Poetic Justice League, a club that gives young writers the resources and a supportive community in which to find their voices. Turn to page 58 to learn more about the group – and enjoy a few poems from some of its members.
Consider this a friendly nudge to pass along some of your own wisdom to the next generation. Raquel is always looking for guest speakers and mentors, so if you have a story, skill or perspective to contribute, reach out. You’ll get as much as you give. – Jessica Stringer, editor
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
58 Poetic License
Carrboro High School’s Poetic Justice League uses poetry to build community, start conversations and say the hard things out loud
64 Grow Your Own Way
The young learners of Montessori Learning House at Wild Sage Farm set their own pace surrounded by the great outdoors
70 Directory of Independent, Regional Boarding, Charter and Application Program Schools
FEATURES
34 State of Downtown
Michael English, Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership’s new executive director, talks vibrancy, growth and the road ahead
38 Walk This Way
Eat, sip and shop with our itinerary for a perfect Saturday downtown on foot
42 Merry and Bright Ideas
Expert tips and community events for a holiday season that feels joyful
48 Still Pressing
The Merch cofounders turned a skateboard-scene friendship and punk-rock grit into a long-standing screen-printing stalwart in Carrboro
52 Forging Ahead
A second generation carries a family legacy forward at Woodcrest Farm & Forge with free-range eggs, farm camps and blacksmithing classes that prize progress over perfection
ONLY IN ORANGE
Community & culture, from Chapel Hill to Hillsborough
12 Here & Now
Events you won’t want to miss
16 Get Out of Town
Top Triangle events this season
18 The Write Stuff
New books by local authors
19 Carolina on Our Mind
Happenings at UNC
20 Talk of the Town
Community perspectives from Jim Merritt, co-chair of the OC Veterans Memorial Committee
22 You Said It
What’s your favorite holiday tradition around town?
24 Glow Getters
Spotlighting neighbors who shine bright
28 Local Lens
A scene that captures the spirit of our towns
30 Let’s Dish
at Good Fortune
32 News Bites
Updates on our local food scene
LOCAL LIFE
Color, character & connections in Orange County
82 Moments That Made Us
A look back at the people, places and events that shaped Chapel Hill
84 For Keeps
A once-empty home gets a second life through a thoughtful renovation and personal touches
SCENE AROUND TOWN
Snapshots of local events
94 Public School Foundation’s Teacher Supply Store
CELEBRATIONS
Engagements & weddings
