North Johnston Celebrates Signing Day For Johnson, Mielcarek, Scott

KENLY, N.C. — Three senior athletes at North Johnston High School signed to continue both their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level during a recent Signing Day ceremony, each bringing years of dedication and achievement to the next stage.

Samantha Johnson and Gavin Mielcarek will attend Barton College, while Seth Scott signed with Methodist University.

Johnson to Cheer at Barton College

Samantha Johnson, who will join Barton’s cheerleading program, plans to major in criminal justice with the goal of becoming a state trooper. She is the daughter of Scottie Johnson, Amanda Johnson and Vickie Allen.

A multi-sport athlete, Johnson played four years of varsity softball and two years of varsity cheerleading. She earned all-conference honors in softball and received the Most Spirit award in cheer. One of her most memorable moments came during her freshman year when the softball team advanced to the state final four.

Beyond athletics, Johnson stayed active in school and community activities, including competitive dance at Tippy Toes Dance Studio, serving on the FFA officer team, DECA, Unified and Prowl Club. She said Barton’s close-knit campus and proximity to home made it the right fit.

“I immediately fell in love with the atmosphere,” Johnson said of a cheer clinic visit during her junior year. “It felt like a place where I could grow and still be close to my family.”

Mielcarek Signs with Barton for Football

Gavin Mielcarek will continue his football career at Barton as an offensive lineman while pursuing a dual major in business administration and sport management. He is the son of Ashley Fair and Justin Mills, and stepson of Keith Fair and Audrey Mills.

In addition to football, Mielcarek competed in wrestling and track and field, including shot put and discus. He earned all-conference honorable mention honors, was named a starting offensive tackle early in his high school career and was a two-time All-American nominee.

He said Barton’s strong academics, rural setting and supportive coaching staff made a lasting impression.

“The coaches showed me a lot of love throughout the recruiting process and made me feel welcomed,” Mielcarek said.

Among his favorite memories was a 35-34 win over Edenton Holmes, followed by a late-night bus ride home celebrating with teammates.

Scott Signs with Methodist for Baseball

Seth Scott, the son of Brandon and Ashley Scott, will play baseball at Methodist while majoring in business.

A standout on the diamond, Scott earned all-conference honors three times during his high school career and was named Offensive MVP as a sophomore and Defensive MVP as a junior. He also played football for North Johnston.

Scott pointed to several defining moments, including hitting a home run in his first varsity at-bat as a freshman at Rocky Mount and helping lead the Panthers to a playoff victory over Martin County.

He said Methodist offered both academic strength and the opportunity to continue his baseball career.

“I would like to thank my parents for their support, along with all my coaches and teammates who helped me along the way,” Scott said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to play at the next level.”

School officials said the signings reflect not only athletic success but also the commitment and character each student has shown throughout their time at North Johnston.