Although to outsiders he may seem like a quiet and reserved person, those who know Owen Lockett know him to be a person that seeks action. He can typically be found at “the scene”, whether that’s biking to the next city, relaxing on the beach when he should be in French class, or moshing in the crowd of a local grunge show.

Louis Huler, a senior, describes his first impression of Owen when they first met at Moore Square Middle School, “I think I was an obnoxious person so I thought Owen was a weird, quiet little man. But he was mysterious and I always liked that.”

Another old friend of Owen’s from middle school is Greene Rand, who now also works with him at Two Roosters Ice Cream. (Two Roosters, a server of high-quality ice cream since 2015, has gained a cult following among the many Enloe students who work there and their friends.)

Greene recalls a fond memory of Owen, saying, “In sixth grade, we had a homework-burning party at Owen’s house at the end of the year and that was a cool memory from the beginning of our friendship.”

When describing middle school Owen, it’s also important to note that he had all of Moore Square Middle School convinced that he was from Canada. It’s doubtful that he even had to say it often for people to buy it. As Louis put it, “Something about him isn’t American, it’s an essence.” This is true. For those of us who know him, it’s difficult to believe that he isn’t Canadian. 

Owen has now reclaimed his truthful heritage as an American and admitted that he was being a little jokester. (However, no proof has ever been provided.)

But Owen is more than a fake Canadian. He’s a damn good viola player (but he would never admit it), an avid film photographer, and a Pacific Northwest enthusiast.

Observing what Owen has written for the newspaper can be a quick glimpse into what he’s passionate about. He’s written everything from a review of Lorde’s album to a spotlight on Enloe’s skateboarders, to an opinion piece about the personal carbon footprint. The man has no shortage of interests.

Owen was the first person I [Andrea] ever wrote an article with, in which we interviewed a former mayoral candidate of Raleigh about the importance of local politics. At any rate, I didn’t see two years ago how a little online writer-to-writer friendship would become our friendship today.

Some of my favorite memories shared with Owen revolve around our shared love for seeing local, live music. The best shows typically came from the more informal venues we scouted, the ones that were cheap and/or outside in a muddy yard. Over time, we came to follow specific college bands and became loyal, devoted fans. 

But Owen Lockett’s enthusiasm for local live music isn’t merely about whatever band is playing or a matter of killing a Friday night. He believes in the value of having community spaces, especially in an urban setting, that allow strangers and friends alike to socially come together.

Connor Graham, another of Owen’s close friends, expressed a similar sentiment, “He [Owen] is out of anyone I know at Enloe, someone who really commits to the idea of the high school experience. He allows himself to get into new situations and try things.”

Alas, all high school experiences must come to a close. Owen will be attending Loyola University Chicago come fall of this year and begin his big city life. 

“I think I’ll pass by a Seattle coffee shop and see Owen with a ponytail and full mustache,” Louis said when asked where he saw Owen being in twenty years. “I don’t know what the fashion scene will be like in twenty years, but it will be full flannel for him. Maybe he’ll own a coffee shop but definitely do something that fits him.”

Louis adds, “I’ll pass by him and he’ll be like ‘Hey man!’ and I’ll be like ‘Oh my god, that’s Owen Lockett.’” 

Although an undeclared major as of now, Owen wishes to (indeed) own a coffee shop or a small music venue in the future.

“I’m very proud of everything [Owen] has done in the last seven years, he’s a caring person with a good heart,” says Greene. “I’m going to miss him, but I’m looking forward to and excited to see what he does at Loyola Chicago.”

Follow Owen’s Instagram @owen.lok to keep up with his future adventures in Chicago, documented on film because he’s a cool fellow. And if you see Owen in the hallowed halls of Enloe (although it’s rare to catch him), be sure to compliment him on his 2014-esque outfit or ask him what boygenius song he’s listening to. Suffice to say, Owen Lockett will be dearly missed by the Eagle’s Eye family, but we will send him off with wishes of good fortune and watch with great wonderment as he finds his path in the world.