At Carolina Forest we have many alumni who have returned to the Forest as teachers and coaches: Morgan Bane (℅ 2008), Destany Eagles (℅ 2003), Jennifer Hodges (℅ 2001), Jenna Mason (℅ 2005), Abigail Merrell (℅ 2011), Jenna Miller (℅ 2009), Jesse Patrick (℅ 2013) and Amy Perry (℅ 2004). 

Principles of Biomedical Science and Marine Science teacher, Jenna Miller, truly wants kids to enjoy coming to school. Ms. Miller used to be one of our swim coaches, but now spends most of her free time playing with her golden retrievers and helping out with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Miller is so intrigued and excited about teaching students. “The moment when you see a student finally ‘get’ something or see a student’s passion for a subject blossom is absolutely one of the best parts of being a teacher.” 

Carolina Forest High School is a big part of our community’s lives, most of the community, including our alumni, have come back to watch games. “Even after retirement, I’ll still be at the games, and honestly, probably subbing!” says Miller. 

On the other hand, some did not know that they wanted to stay at the Forest or even become teachers.  

Jenna Mason, business and marketing teacher, had other plans before coming back to the Forest. Mason originally wanted to go into business because her whole life she has been involved in education.

“To be honest, after graduating I had no plans to ever come back to the Forest. With my mom being the former principal, I spent more time at the Forest than most students. An average day for me in high school was 7:30 am – 5:30 pm because my mom always felt like she needed to be the first people here and one of the last to leave,” says Mason. 

Mason loves Carolina Forest and is so happy with her decision of becoming a teacher. This is her seventh year, and she continues to be extremely involved with after school events and clubs.  Mason is the senior advisor for Student Council and volunteers to help with many events, such as prom.

Jennifer Hodges, one of our art teachers, has been at Carolina Forest for five years and is so happy to be back. Mrs. Hodges is a passionate advocate for SC Education.  

“This school became my home as a freshman having just moved here from Arizona, and I see myself in many of the students here that have just moved to the area,” comments Hodges. 

Carolina Forest makes so many people feel as if they are at home. Mrs. Hodges feels there is always a teacher who has your back, and everyone should feel welcome.

We have such an amazing education program that art teacher, Abigail Merrell, came back this year to pursue her love for art and share that with the youth.

“I wanted to come back to The Forest because I know that this is the best school in Horry County. I had some amazing teachers when I was a student here, and I really wanted to come back and work with the Visual Arts Department as a teacher,” share Merrell.

We have such great programs offered at our school.  We are honored that we have so many alumni who decided to return home to The Forest.