The John A. Holmes High School athletic community gathered May 26 to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during the Edenton Aces Senior Athletic Banquet, an evening filled with recognition, reflection, and encouragement for the school’s senior student-athletes. The banquet, hosted by the Aces Booster Club in the cafeteria, honored athletes for their achievements in competition, academics, leadership, and service throughout their high school careers.
The Male Athlete of the Year award went to Steven Ferebee, a three-sport athlete who excelled in football, wrestling, and track and field. Ferebee earned all-conference honors in football, was named conference wrestler of the year, qualified multiple times for regional and state wrestling competition, and competed at the state championships in track and field. Coaches praised him as a leader who continually pushed himself and his teammates to improve.
The Female Athlete of the Year honor was presented to Kamonni Mathews, who starred in volleyball, basketball, and track and field. Mathews helped lead Holmes volleyball to consecutive conference championships and an appearance in the Eastern Regional Finals, while also contributing to successful basketball and outdoor track seasons. In track and field, she captured a regional championship in the high jump and finished as state runner-up while helping lead the Aces at the state championships.
One of the highlights of the evening was the keynote address from Holmes alumna Anna Bass, a 2019 graduate and former multi-sport standout whose message centered on perseverance, faith, and embracing uncertainty after graduation. Introduced by Courtney Phelps, Bass was recognized for an impressive athletic career at Holmes that included tennis, basketball, swimming, soccer, and football, along with all-conference honors in multiple sports and the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Mark of a Champion Award.
Bass spoke honestly about the transition from high school athletics to college life, explaining that she initially struggled with the loss of the structure and identity that sports had provided for much of her life. After stepping away from athletics for a year, she eventually returned to collegiate soccer at UNC Asheville while also discovering a passion for sports broadcasting and athletic administration.
“Sometimes you find your direction by trying things, being willing to feel uncomfortable and allowing your plans to change,” Bass told the audience. “You don’t have to have your entire life mapped out right away.”
Now employed in sports production with NBC Sports and Golf Channel, Bass encouraged the seniors to remain open to new opportunities and to lean on the support systems they built at Holmes and within the Edenton community. Her remarks resonated with students and parents alike as she reflected on how athletics helped shape her character, discipline, and resilience.
The banquet also recognized dozens of seniors for their dedication across multiple sports and seasons. Student-athletes honored during the evening represented programs including football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, tennis, baseball, softball, wrestling, swimming, golf, cross country, track and field, cheerleading, marching band, and hunter safety.
This year, six athletes committed to play for college teams, a milestone Athletic Director Wes Mattera said reflected the strength of the Class of 2026.
Chloe Chappell will continue her softball career at East Carolina University. Student-athletes who will continue playing volleyball include Harper Evans, who will go to Methodist University, Amy Robertson, committed to Mount Olive, Mariah Miller, signed with Salem College. Jonte’ Langley will continue in football at Elizabeth City State University. Myles Cobb committed to play baseball at Lenoir Community College.
Mattera told the audience that the group’s accomplishments “speak volumes for the depth of this class and everything they’ve accomplished.”
Academic excellence was another major focus of the evening as Principal Sonya Rinehart presented North Carolina High School Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete recognitions to varsity athletes who maintained weighted GPAs of 3.5 or higher during their athletic seasons.
Mattera also recognized all-conference, all-region, and all-state selections, along with athletes advancing to regional and state competition.
Throughout the banquet, speakers emphasized that the evening was about far more than awards. Booster Club leaders thanked parents, coaches, teachers, volunteers, and community supporters for investing in the student-athletes over the years and reminded seniors that they will always remain part of the Aces family.
More photos to come.
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