Hilton Head People

JOURNEE ORAGE ESTABLISHES THRIVING BUSINESS

STORY BY AMY BARTLETT | PHOTOS BY PICTURE THE POSSIBILITIES

When you first hear the story about a little girl who “sells lip gloss” you might mistakenly think it’s as cute as a neighborhood lemonade stand.  

But that would be underestimating the striking presence, drive and camera-ready communication skills of young entrepreneur, 10-year-old Journee Orage.

High school students are champion welders

STORY BY JUSTIN JARRETT I PHOTOS BY RITTERBECK PHOTOGRAPHY

At a time when good-paying jobs seem more and more difficult to find and the cost of traditional college education is increasing at an alarming rate, the prospect of technical education continues to gain steam.

And the students at May River High School seem to have taken notice.

1. BLUFFTON SELF HELP NAMES NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

Courtney Hampson has been named Chief Executive Officer at Bluffton Self Help. Kimberly Hall, former CEO, stepped down from the position because she and her family will move out of state. Hampson joined the team in January as the Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Bluffton Self Help she was the Vice President of Marketing for Palmetto Bluff for 16 years.

THE LOWCOUNTRY HELPED SPRINGBOARD FABIO FREY’S BURGEONING CAREER IN FILM

BY VICKIE MCINTYRE| PHOTOS SUPPLIED

When Fabio Frey graduated from Hilton Head High School in 2007, he knew he wanted to be a movie director, but he had no idea how to make it happen. Nevertheless, the self-described “road-dog-adventure type” found his way.

ASHLYN SOTOLONGO DISPLAYS TALENT FOR THE THEATER

BY AMY COYNE BREDESON | PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

Nine-year-old Ashlyn Sotolongo is the youngest contestant to earn the 2022 Island School Council for the Arts Rising Stars award.

HILTON HEAD MOM INSPIRES HER CHILDREN TO SUCCEED IN ATHLETICS, ACADEMICS

BY JUSTIN JARRETT | PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN

Before he was one of the most sought-after high school linebackers in the country,

Jaylen Sneed could be found meandering against the run of play on a soccer field, or praying for a walk on a baseball diamond — or sometimes he might go missing for an hour or two at a track meet.

BY AMY COYNE BREDESON 

Sebastian Vela Garcia has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island since 2017. He considers the staff to be his family.

“They have helped not only me but also my mom through good and bad situations,” the 17-year-old said. “They have always been there for us. … My club community is one of my strongest motivations just to keep going and never give up. I have no idea where I would be today if it wasn’t for them.”

1. TOWN OF HILTON HEAD NAMES ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER

Shawn Colin has been named the Town of Hilton Head’s assistant town manager- community development. He will manage the town’s newly realigned Community Development Department. Colin joined the town in October 2006 as a senior planner. He was promoted to comprehensive planning manager in 2010, community development deputy director in 2013, community development director in 2018, and interim deputy town manager in 2020.

Some organizations are led by talented hardworking women. The Sandbox was founded by them. It was a group of moms who gifted the island with The Sandbox 16 years ago, creating a place where kids could learn and grow through structured play. Today, women still lead the way at the Sandbox, both as president of the board and working one-on-one with the children and families.