By Colin Ehrman

Staff Writer

    Whether it’s working backstage for the school’s big play, singing during A Cappella jam, or spending his summers as a mechanic for Mercedes-Benz, Harris Joyner’s dedication to R.J. Reynolds High School and the community has built him the reputation of a jack of all trades, but a master of all. Since his sophomore year, Joyner has been the head stage director for all the Demons’ performances.

    “I really enjoyed being a part of theater and the technical theater at Reynolds,” Joyner said. “It’s just such a great opportunity to work in the auditorium, and it’s also just a great community to be a part of. I just hope that I’m remembered as a good stage manager and general hard worker.” 

    While being a strong leader in the theater department, Joyner has also been a key part of the school’s A Cappella group, spending some of his favorite moments at RJR with the group.

    “A Cappella was like a big family for the time that I was at Reynolds,” Joyner said. “We got to do a ton of things together, including going to New York, performing for the Mistletoe Run, and performing in front of the whole school during A Cappella jam. It’s such an incredible opportunity to be a part of such a big and well-knit group. But my favorite memory at Reynolds has been taking naps in the mezzanine [the top level of seating] at the auditorium between school and public theater performances.”

   Outside of school, Joyner remains busy, spending his summers working as a mechanic apprentice for Mercedes-Benz of Winston-Salem. Following graduation, Joyner plans to attend Forsyth Tech Community College and Mercedes-Benz’s Performance Academy in Florida, looking to study automotive care and high-performance auto engineering. Joyner will be remembered for his diverse skill set and his dedication to RJR.