Extraordinary People Social 1080 X 1080 Px

Extraordinary People: Female fighters knock out stereotypes

video Port City Boxing boasts some excellent fighters, but you may not expect some of its top contenders to be women. These girls with gloves bring fierce determination to the ring. At one time, Antoinette Smith thought she would become a cheerleader. That is until she discovered boxing. By 11 years old, she was training to get in the ring.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Street musician brightens downtown with smooth sounds

video As the sun sinks down over downtown Wilmington, sweet sounds swing up and down Front Street. At the mouthpiece is saxophonist Glen McRae. "It’s about joy, gets the mess out of the world sometimes," McRae said. McRae takes his place on the street stage every day, collecting tips from passersby who may be out shopping or to get a bite to eat. But while many may hear his bright tones, what they may never hear is hi past near fatal battle with alcoholism.

Extraordinary People: Young owners find sweet success at Fuzzy Peach

video The experience inside a Fuzzy Peach store is one you won't easily forget. From the colorful décor to the modern lounge-like furniture, it isn't your average dessert shop. Owners Rocco Quaranto and Wells Struble say besides making cold treats with toppings for days, they wanted to create a fun environment for customers.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Creating the perfect Azalea Festival hat

video Azalea Festival week brings live music, exceptional gardens, historical homes and of course, plenty of those beautiful flowers. But for the ladies, having a great hat to make their outfit complete is an absolute must. Many folks turn to milliner Jan Wutkowski. "I think a hat is the exclamation point to a person's personality," Wutkowski said.

Pastor using second chance at life to promote safety in schools

video A local pastor is taking on violence in schools through a new, children's album. Pastor Yushonda Midgette-Spriggs says she's been given a second chance at life and she wants to make a difference. Midgette-Spriggs has always loved to dance and entertain, but her passion for performing was crippled after a near fatal crash in 1996.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Woman creates 'katchy' invention

video Inside a Whiteville home, one woman spends her days brainstorming and testing ideas for her latest inventions. Anne Wheeler has been an innovator of baby products and now she's hoping to succeed in other markets. Today, two-year-olds Ellie and Chloe are using Wheeler's invention, the Katchit Tray, designed to cut down on kids' messes.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: CFCC student excels in academics, volunteership

video Cape Fear Community College student Malik Abdul-Rashid says he believes if he works hard enough, he can accomplish his greatest dreams. On an average day, you can find Malik walking from class to class on the CFCC campus. But in a short conversation with him, you'll discover he's no average student. With wisdom beyond his years, Malik says people should be thankful for every moment.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Raising quintuplets

video Any parent can tell you having their first baby comes with challenges. Now, imagine that times five. Carmen and Mike Matthews say raising their quintuplets is all about routine. They are this week's extraordinary people next door..

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Grief counselor turns words of comfort into poetic prose

video She’s a grief counselor turned author. Katherine Roberts Moore of Ocean Isle Beach turned her words of healing into poetic prose. In the world of words, Katherine finds herself right at home. Influenced by her mother's love for vocabulary, ideas and imagination run wildly through Katherine’s head and flow straight to her pen. It lights a fire in her soul.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Former drug dealer aims for second chance

video Petey Powell, 38, grew up on Red Bug Road, in the small town of Hallsboro. He remembers his dad doing whatever he could to keep his family out of poverty but was eventually lured by the money he could make in dealing drugs. Petey was just a little boy when he drugs became a regular part of his life.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Young artist finds inspiration in nature

video For some people, it takes them years to find their true passion life. That's not the case for Britt Harrison. The 24-year-old finds her joy in painting unique works of art. Among the nature in the backyard of the beach home where Harrison lives, one will find brush strokes and a young woman full of artistic expression.

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE: Wilmington man has close ties to family feud between Hatfields and McCoys

video The clash between the Hatfields and McCoys is the most well-known family feud in American history. It's a true tale: one of vengeance, courage and most importantly, family pride. The feud was between two families, who lived along the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River. The Hatfields were from West Virginia, the McCoys from Kentucky. Their relentless rivalry began in the late 1800’s and stretched for decades.

Nominate an Extraordinary Person!

Airserv Logo Kari Shumaker

Local Events