From battery captain of the Enloe Marching Band to president of Unify, Will Acree has left a lasting impact on Enloe. Over the past four years, he has dedicated himself to the school’s marching band, while also excelling in symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, and Triangle Youth Philharmonic. Will’s passion for music and leadership shines through in everything he does. “I really like being good at things … if I do something, I’m going to be good at it,” explains Will, a mindset that has driven him to excel in both music and leadership roles.
Music has been at the core of Will’s high school experience. As a percussionist, he plays drums and mallet instruments as an integral part of the Enloe Symphony Orchestra (ESO), the school’s highest-level orchestra class. Since ESO is a mixed ensemble of band and orchestra students, the orchestra meets after school often, performing professional-level music using some of the most talented musicians at Enloe. He is also a member of the Eastern Regional Orchestra (ERO) and the All-State Orchestra, prestigious ensembles requiring competitive auditions and extensive preparation. As a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, an organization that acknowledges exceptional student musicians, he engages in various performances, including school concerts, community fundraisers, and events. One of his most cherished activities is performing music for churches during his leisure time, utilizing his talent to contribute positively to the community. Beyond school, he plays with the Triangle Youth Philharmonic, rehearsing weekly with other dedicated musicians.
Will’s leadership extends beyond music as well. As president of Unify, a club that stimulates friendships between special education and general education students, he helps organize biweekly meetings filled with games, art, and field days. Will’s involvement in Unify began his sophomore year, inspired by previous experiences working with special ed students in middle school. “I loved the environment and people, and thought it was really fun to connect with the kids,” he says. One of his favorite moments is from a field day last year. He enjoyed getting a break outside and playing games and other activities with everyone. “They are all very friendly and want to get to know you,” Will says. He acknowledges that special needs teachers and students face many difficulties, such as social stigma and discrimination. However, his dedication to inclusivity and community-building has made Unify a welcoming space for many people.
Will’s impact on Enloe continues to extend beyond the classroom and rehearsal spaces. His friend, senior Aiden Collins, describes him as incredibly supportive, hardworking, and committed. “A lot of times when I have performances, he will come watch me,” Aiden says, adding that his performances can be hours long and he is grateful for Will’s support. The two have been friends since sixth grade, sharing experiences in orchestra, ESO, and All-State. They also enjoy going to the symphony and grabbing food at Char-Grill. Aiden admires Will’s ability to engage others, saying, “He could talk to you about anything for a while and get you to be more interested in it.”
Outside of school, Will enjoys playing tennis, basketball, and swimming. He also loves camping with friends and watching TV with his mom. His current watch is “The West Wing”, and he’s a big fan of “Harry Potter” and spy movies.
Looking ahead, Will plans to attend Duke University, where he looks forward to majoring in engineering. His strong work ethic, passion for music, and dedication to leadership will undoubtedly carry him far. Whether in the marching band, orchestra, or Unify, Will Acree has made a long-lasting impact at Enloe, and his legacy will continue to inspire future students. We wish him the best as he moves on to the next chapter and continues to achieve great things!
