On the recordJune 23, 2017
I am proud to say that North Carolina is home to many great student athletes that serve as community role models. One prime example is MacKenzie Gore, who graduated from Whiteville High School this month and has been named the 2017 Gatorade North Carolina Baseball Player of the Year. Not only that, he was just recently selected third overall in the Major League Baseball draft by the San Diego Padres. MacKenzie not only demonstrates athletic excellence, but also exemplary character and work ethic--the two primary traits necessary for great success. Very few have achieved as much as early in life. It is a culmination of years of hard work and commitment. As with all who are in success, MacKenzie is blessed to have a big decision to make: go pro and play for the Padres or head to East Carolina University to play for the Pirates. Whatever MacKenzie decides, we are all proud of him and wish him the very best. ____________________
