Mason is Sydney’s best friend—the human equivalent of sunshine who lights up every room she enters. Their story began when Mason served as Sydney’s mentor in her high school guard program, inspiring her to continue teaching. Mason later helped Sydney land her first “real” job after college and has remained a trusted colleague through multiple roles in her career. They are each other’s forever job references and sounding boards through life’s many twists and turns. Mason is an incredible mom to two beautiful children and is married to the love of her life, Chad. Sydney has spent more time with Mason than almost anyone else, and she wouldn’t trade a single moment—every second has been an absolute joy. Sydney feels incredibly lucky to have Mason in her life as one of her very best friends.

Laurie is one of Sydney’s closest friends—and her very first guard friend. Laurie was Sydney’s captain in high school, and over the years they’ve remained close as they spun together at NC State and with Assembly Line Winterguard. They have worked side by side at Middle Creek, NC State, and most recently at Assembly Line Winterguard, always making a strong team. Laurie brings humor, balance, and logic to any situation, and she’s also Sydney’s “outdoor adventure Barbie,” often convincing her—sometimes against her wishes—to hike up mountains and back down again in search of waterfalls. Through countless moments, both joyful and challenging, Laurie has been a constant source of support for Sydney and is deeply appreciated for her unwavering presence.

James and Jason have known each other since 1992, but their friendship truly began in 1999 after a blown-out tire on a rainy morning on the way to UNCW turned into a day of skipped classes. That unexpected detour set them on a path to becoming a constant presence in each other’s lives. Since then, they’ve shared more road trips, races, concerts, and unforgettable adventures than could ever be counted.

James’s “brother from another mother” for more than 25 years—and more recently, his Masonic brother—Shawn has been a constant presence in James’s life. Shawn, his wife Mel, and their family have become an invaluable extended family for James and his mother, offering unwavering support, love, and friendship throughout the years.

Merric is the only child of James’s younger sister, Susanne. Although he grew up across the country in Washington, Merric has always been a constant source of pride and joy for his uncle. He is an excellent student, an accomplished soccer player and team captain, and a budding rock guitarist. When he visits North Carolina, the two enjoy range days and traveling throughout southeastern North Carolina, where James shares stories and lessons about his roots in the North and South Carolina Lowcountry.

Alexis met Sydney as a student at NC State winter guard, where her talent and dedication quickly led her to become an instructor alongside Laurie and Sydney at Middle Creek High School. Known for her quick wit and adventurous spirit, Alexis is a fun-loving “Adventure Barbie” who brings energy and joy wherever she goes.

Jason’s 17-year-old son, Wyatt—now affectionately known as “Big Little Wyatt” to distinguish him from James’s soon-to-be brother-in-law with the same name—holds a special place in James’s heart as his first “nephew by choice.” Wyatt is a hardworking, intelligent young man and a constant source of pride for his Uncle James.