Voted as having the most school spirit in his graduating class, you’ve surely seen and heard Malone around the school. From his features on the LoeDown to pep rallies and basketball games, when the school needs some hype energy, Malone is the man for the job. When Malone came to Enloe as a freshman, he had one goal: to make the most of high school. He comments, “I try to make the most of everything I do. I hate sitting through something and not being efficient; I like to do something.” Malone has been more than successful in this aspect of his high school journey, evidently so. This drive to be involved is ultimately what led him to fall in love with his roles in the Enloe community. Without further ado, let’s get to know Malone Bridgers.
Malone is none other than our student body president, acting as a voice for the student body and leading Charity Ball this year. As president and head of the outreach committee, Malone helped Enloe raise $186,000 to help end homelessness in the Wake County area. His biggest goal in his role as president has been to form strong relationships with teachers, administration, students, PTSA, and even the Wake County Board of Education. Building these relationships has helped him foster a true connection between the student body and the broader Enloe community. Malone comments on his involvement in Student Council, saying, “It’s really cool to give back to Enloe and try my best to shed a good light on this place that I love.”
If you’ve been to a sports game this year, then you’ve seen (or more likely, heard) Malone in the stands. This year, Malone was charged with being Enloe’s ultimate hype man at every game. He knew he was the man for the job, describing himself as a “very loud person.” It’s impossible to miss his voice in the crowd, chanting “Let’s go Eagles!” and his upbeat energy is perfect to excite the crowd. Long-time friend Alejandro Romero adds, “He never turns that off.”
Malone isn’t just a hype man on the sidelines. After a shoulder injury in his freshman year, he stopped swimming and took up basketball, going on to play for all four years. Malone isn’t afraid to be loud, and he brings a high-energy spirit to every game and practice. As a player on the varsity basketball team, he brings the team together and motivates them to constantly work harder and do better. Coach Poobie remarked that one of Malone’s greatest strengths is his ability to lead others.
One of his favorite memories from high school was the team’s postseason performance last year. After an overtime buzzer-beater to win the game, the team went on a 7-game winning streak and made it to the conference championship tournament. “It was an awesome 3-week stretch,” Malone said.
Though his involvement with school activities is remarkable, Malone would argue that his proudest accomplishment in high school has been the relationships he’s built. Alejandro says, “He is the type of guy to stand in the Bojangles and talk to a random stranger for 10-15 minutes while we are getting food.” Malone loves to be around people, and he truly cares about them. His former teacher, Mrs. Price O’Neil, comments that he always asks everyone how they’re doing and “is the type of student who makes other people feel comfortable and safe.”
His achievements throughout high school can only be attributed to his passion and motivation for every single thing he does. He sees his commitments through and strives to constantly improve himself in all ways possible. In fact, Coach Poobie reflects, “Malone is the most stubborn worker I’ve met … He is willing to do or work on anything to get better.” His drive to be the best at what he does extends to the classroom as well. Mrs. Price O’Neil says, “He’s always thinking more deeply and working harder than is required.” Malone credits his parents as the source of his strong sense of internal motivation. “My parents both own their own businesses … The thing that’s been most inspiring to me the past few years is seeing how hard they work,” he says.
Keeping up with so many activities on top of academics is no easy feat, but Malone has risen to the challenge with his agenda by his side. He says, “[if I don’t write it down] it’s either not gonna happen or I’m gonna forget about it.” He also prioritizes taking time for himself and getting all of his work done during the week so he can take weekends to himself to relax and hang out with friends. One activity Malone does during his time off is cooking. He prides himself on making some mean chicken wings, even crafting his own dry rub, which he says could beat Wingstop any day. “People who think Wingstop is good should have my wings,” he commented.
In the words of Coach Poobie, “Malone is someone that is impossible to replace.” Of course, his contributions to Enloe will continue to shine in the years to come. But arguably more important, his impact on others will be remembered and cherished forever. Malone is always the first to ask people how they are doing when he walks into a room, and he takes the time to listen and offer a compassionate ear. Mrs. Price O’Neil recounts how Malone made her feel cared about and seen as more than just a teacher, but a real person, “I think that’s how he makes everyone feel,” she says.
Malone will be continuing his education at the University of Georgia in the fall, pursuing a major in business management. No matter where life takes him, he will surely create a positive impact on the world and the people around him. From The Eagle’s Eye: thank you for your years of service to Enloe. We wish you the best of luck in the future!
