 Fayette's Carter sisters: Dara, Camara, and Noni. It's no surprise that Fayette County has some of the best and brightest youth around, but the Carter sisters are in a league of their own.
The trio, comprised of Noni, Camara and Dara, has reached enormous heights in academics, as well as their individual talents, and they are poised to flourish beyond measure.
At just 18 years old, the eldest of the bunch, Noni, kicked off the new year with the release of her first historical fiction novel, "Good Fortune", which she began writing at age 12. Published nationally by Simon & Schuster, the narrative captures heart-wrenching flashbacks of an African-American slave women in the 19th century.
"I've always loved writing," said Noni. "When I was younger, I wrote lots of short stories and poetry that always taught a lesson."
Growing up, the budding writer recalled being surrounded by books about slavery and historical research, which gave her the foundation to compose her debut novel. But it was a real-life account about Noni's great-great-great-great grandmother that inspired her to write the book to encourage readers, young and old, to embrace all aspects of American history. She also hopes her novel, woven with tales of courage, will inspire people to "never give up," regardless of the seemingly insurmountable hardships they face.
Her achievements clearly reflect her commitment to that proclamation of empowerment. Noni has embarked on her freshman year at Harvard, after ranking in the top-fifth-percent of the 2009 graduating class at Sandy Creek High School.
Garnering regional and national awards for her talent as a classical pianist, Noni has set a precedent of great things to come for her younger siblings, but she humbly credits the shoulders of others on which she stands.
While each girl is uniquely gifted, their common thread is an appreciation for their parents' unwavering guidance and support. They also agree that their brother, who is the oldest of the siblings, has been an influential coach along the way.
Camara, 16, recalled that his dedication to playing the piano compelled she and her sisters to learn the skill, which Camara began honing with their long-time instructor, Phyllis Beatles, at age 3.
"When we were babies, my brother played the piano, and that's what got us into liking it," said Camara.
Meanwhile, her thirst for learning has ultimately been the driving force behind her success in life.
An AP student, Camara recently earned straight 100's on her report card, as she remains No. 1 in her junior class at Sandy Creek High School. Her path to excellence can effortlessly position her for a plethora of opportunities, but her passion for animals and environmental protection reigns supreme at the moment.
One of her coveted pastimes is teaming up with the Earth Foundation, for which she saves acres of the Brazilian Amazon through T-shirt sell proceeds, as part of the group's rainforest rescue efforts.
She had a first-hand view of the struggles that plague the vanishing rainforest, since she won a trip there in 2008 through a radio station's essay contest.
Her journey abroad was also revisited in an article she wrote for the VOX teen newspaper, so Camara has already tapped into life in the "real-world". At nine years old, she volunteered at her mentor, Dr. Guishard's, veterinarian office.
Her 15-year-old sister, Dara, trails her one year, but when it comes to ambition, they have an equal playing field. Dara also enjoys playing the piano, and she can be seen performing at jazz clubs around town.
"I've been singing for a long time, but I noticed my talent at eight years old."
Sharp enough to take any route musically, Dara opted for the conscious road to music making. Inspirational music is the kind she prefers to write, instead of following the trends in popular culture.
She's hopeful that her performance will be well-received in March, when she'll grace the stage of the historic Apollo theater in New York. The Sandy Creek sophomore said fine-tuning over the years has her well-prepared for the big-time.
While she professed music is "No. 1", she her creative talents have led her to premiere opportunities, such classes at Savannah College of Art and Design and NAACP's ACT-SO youth competition. Her artwork has afforded her a trip to Italy, after winning an art contest sponsored by a radio station.
Armed with smarts and athleticism, Dara is a member of the school track team, and plays the guitar. In the meantime, she hopes to learn more instruments during her quest to touch the world through her music.
This is one goal that all of the Carter sisters aspire to reach, and by the looks of things, they're already on the fast-track. |
