Check out this weeks athletic schedule, announcements and updates!
Welcome to The Pirate Post! Enjoy the story of Topsail High told by the students of Topsail High. Please use the link below to learn about important news and information. Go Pirates!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sAU_gFNFYJ6onSSfogFRSLamMUDQY6F8/view?usp=sharing
TOPSAIL HIGH SCHOOL NAMES T.J. ALBERT HEAD VARSITY FOOTBALL COACH
HAMPSTEAD, N.C. — Topsail High School has named Terry “T.J.” Albert as the school’s new head varsity
football coach.
Albert brings more than a decade of head coaching experience and a lifelong connection to football. He
played high school football before continuing his career at Georgia Southern University and Iona
College. After a career-ending injury, he began coaching at the request of his former high school coach
and has remained in the profession since that time.
Albert previously served as head coach at Community School of Davidson, where he compiled an overall
record of 92–67. Under his leadership, the Spartans reached the NCHSAA state playoffs in all but one
season and made multiple deep postseason runs, including an appearance in the Western Regional
Finals. Over the past five seasons, the program posted a 32–2 conference record, earned four Coach of
the Year honors, recorded a 6–5 playoff mark, and advanced to the third round of the state playoffs
three consecutive times.
In addition to team results, Albert has supported student-athletes in continuing their football careers
beyond high school. More than 20 of his former players have gone on to play at the collegiate level,
including several in Power 4 conferences.
Albert and his wife, Julie, have four children, Ashley, Brandon, Zack, and Kyle, and two black Labrador
retrievers, Newton and Aly.
T.J. Albert will assume his duties as head varsity football coach at Topsail High School immediately.
HAMPSTEAD, N.C. — Topsail High School has named Terry “T.J.” Albert as the school’s new head varsity
football coach.
Albert brings more than a decade of head coaching experience and a lifelong connection to football. He
played high school football before continuing his career at Georgia Southern University and Iona
College. After a career-ending injury, he began coaching at the request of his former high school coach
and has remained in the profession since that time.
Albert previously served as head coach at Community School of Davidson, where he compiled an overall
record of 92–67. Under his leadership, the Spartans reached the NCHSAA state playoffs in all but one
season and made multiple deep postseason runs, including an appearance in the Western Regional
Finals. Over the past five seasons, the program posted a 32–2 conference record, earned four Coach of
the Year honors, recorded a 6–5 playoff mark, and advanced to the third round of the state playoffs
three consecutive times.
In addition to team results, Albert has supported student-athletes in continuing their football careers
beyond high school. More than 20 of his former players have gone on to play at the collegiate level,
including several in Power 4 conferences.
Albert and his wife, Julie, have four children, Ashley, Brandon, Zack, and Kyle, and two black Labrador
retrievers, Newton and Aly.
T.J. Albert will assume his duties as head varsity football coach at Topsail High School immediately.
Attention Rising 9th Grade and Current THS Students and Families...want to learn more about the courses Topsail High School offers? Please join us on Tuesday, January 20th, from 5-7pm for our annual Curriculum Night! Registration for the 2026-27 school year is right around the corner, which makes this the perfect event to prepare for the future! See you on the 20th!
Come out and support our Wrestling team tonight as they take on West Brunswick. They will also be celebrating the Seniors at tonight's matches!
We also have quite a few athletes nominated for this weeks Star News Athlete of the Week! https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2026/01/12/wilmington-nc-starnews-athlete-of-the-week-poll-jan-12/88101854007/
We also have quite a few athletes nominated for this weeks Star News Athlete of the Week! https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2026/01/12/wilmington-nc-starnews-athlete-of-the-week-poll-jan-12/88101854007/
Eastern NC Scholastic Art Award recipients were announced this weekend and six THS students have earned 10 awards this year! Students are able to submit individual works for scoring and can earn Gold Key, Silver Key or Honorable Mention awards. In addition, seniors are eligible to submit a portfolio of 6 artworks to be scored as a whole. Gold Key and Silver Key winners will have their work on display at ECU in February; Gold Key winners automatically are entered into the National competition for scoring.
If you see these students please congratulate them on this accomplishment!!
Portfolio Silver Key Award: "Moments of Stillness in Chaos" Achilleas Fertitta-Boutis
Gold Key Award: "The Seat Beside" Esme Burnau
Silver Key Awards:
"Through My Eyes" Nai'a Bever
"Power Play" Aila Brannon
"The Inherited Lens" Esme Burnau
"Bang" Kelsey Dixon
"The Light of Sound" Achilleas Fertitta-Boutis
"A Window of Priesthood" Achilleas Fertitta-Boutis
Honorable Mention:
"Homeward Tracks" Cosette Burnau
"Feeding Frenzy" Achilleas Fertitta-Boutis
If you see these students please congratulate them on this accomplishment!!
Portfolio Silver Key Award: "Moments of Stillness in Chaos" Achilleas Fertitta-Boutis
Gold Key Award: "The Seat Beside" Esme Burnau
Silver Key Awards:
"Through My Eyes" Nai'a Bever
"Power Play" Aila Brannon
"The Inherited Lens" Esme Burnau
"Bang" Kelsey Dixon
"The Light of Sound" Achilleas Fertitta-Boutis
"A Window of Priesthood" Achilleas Fertitta-Boutis
Honorable Mention:
"Homeward Tracks" Cosette Burnau
"Feeding Frenzy" Achilleas Fertitta-Boutis
Check out this weeks athletic events!
We had an exciting week in athletics last week:
Swim beat Hoggard for the first time!
Cheer placed 3rd in their NCHSAA competition and Captain Hannah Bradshaw was awarded the Cheersounds Spirit Scholarship!
Ava Kita was named Star News Athlete of the Week!
Way to go Pirates!
We had an exciting week in athletics last week:
Swim beat Hoggard for the first time!
Cheer placed 3rd in their NCHSAA competition and Captain Hannah Bradshaw was awarded the Cheersounds Spirit Scholarship!
Ava Kita was named Star News Athlete of the Week!
Way to go Pirates!
Welcome to The Pirate Post! Enjoy the story of Topsail High told by the students of Topsail High. Please use the link below to learn about important news and information. Go Pirates!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UnfF1zIIQ-Qx0YdDyrGuLmK0we5lYa9A/view?usp=sharing
YOUTUBE - https://youtube.com/shorts/Q95N28kqf9k
🎒🗣️ Student voices took center stage Friday as our Superintendent Student Advisory Council, made up of student leaders from across Pender County Schools, came together to share what’s really happening in their schools, from safety and school climate to academics and overall wellbeing.
🏫 Topsail High School proudly hosted the meeting, giving students from across the district a chance to see how a larger high school operates and learn from one another’s experiences.
💡 In small groups, students tackled big topics like homework, schedules, career and college opportunities, staff recruitment, and mental health supports, turning their ideas into clear recommendations for the Board and helping shape the future of our schools.
🎒🗣️ Student voices took center stage Friday as our Superintendent Student Advisory Council, made up of student leaders from across Pender County Schools, came together to share what’s really happening in their schools, from safety and school climate to academics and overall wellbeing.
🏫 Topsail High School proudly hosted the meeting, giving students from across the district a chance to see how a larger high school operates and learn from one another’s experiences.
💡 In small groups, students tackled big topics like homework, schedules, career and college opportunities, staff recruitment, and mental health supports, turning their ideas into clear recommendations for the Board and helping shape the future of our schools.
Shout out to our swim teams after a successful night of conference action!
Our boys took 3rd overall and the freestyle relay team took 1st. The girls won first place over all, beating Hoggard for the first time ever!
Katie Andrison, Ellison Gosma, Camren Grace Reaves, Avery Procida all qualified for regionals!
Congratulations Pirates!
They will be celebrating Senior night next Thursday at Brunswick Community College!
Our boys took 3rd overall and the freestyle relay team took 1st. The girls won first place over all, beating Hoggard for the first time ever!
Katie Andrison, Ellison Gosma, Camren Grace Reaves, Avery Procida all qualified for regionals!
Congratulations Pirates!
They will be celebrating Senior night next Thursday at Brunswick Community College!
Pack the stands for basketballs home games against Hoggard tonight! Games start at 4 and tickets can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/NC2373
Love music? Plan to join us next Thursday to celebrate our bands from across the district! Admission is free!
🎓 Need help completing the FAFSA? We’ve got you covered! 💰
Cape Fear Community College is hosting a Financial Aid & FAFSA Night on Tuesday, January 13, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at CFCC Union Station (Room 212).
✔️ Get one-on-one help from trained financial aid professionals
✔️ Step-by-step guidance to maximize your aid eligibility
✔️ Learn about scholarships and CFCC programs
✔️ Open to high school students, college students, adult learners, and families
📍 502 N. Front Street, Wilmington
💲 Free to attend!
👉 Learn more: cfcc.edu/fafsa-nights/
Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert help and take the next step toward your education!
🎓 ¿Necesitas ayuda para completar la FAFSA? ¡Estamos aquí para ayudarte! 💰
Cape Fear Community College organizará una Noche de Ayuda Financiera y FAFSA el martes 13 de enero, de 6:00 a 7:30 p. m., en CFCC Union Station (salón 212).
✔️ Asistencia personalizada con profesionales capacitados en ayuda financiera
✔️ Orientación paso a paso para maximizar tu elegibilidad de ayuda
✔️ Información sobre oportunidades de becas y programas de CFCC
✔️ Abierto a estudiantes de secundaria, estudiantes universitarios, estudiantes adultos y familias
📍 502 N. Front Street, Wilmington
💲 ¡Evento gratuito!
👉 Más información: cfcc.edu/fafsa-nights/
¡No pierdas esta oportunidad de recibir ayuda experta y dar el siguiente paso hacia tu educación!
Cape Fear Community College is hosting a Financial Aid & FAFSA Night on Tuesday, January 13, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at CFCC Union Station (Room 212).
✔️ Get one-on-one help from trained financial aid professionals
✔️ Step-by-step guidance to maximize your aid eligibility
✔️ Learn about scholarships and CFCC programs
✔️ Open to high school students, college students, adult learners, and families
📍 502 N. Front Street, Wilmington
💲 Free to attend!
👉 Learn more: cfcc.edu/fafsa-nights/
Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert help and take the next step toward your education!
🎓 ¿Necesitas ayuda para completar la FAFSA? ¡Estamos aquí para ayudarte! 💰
Cape Fear Community College organizará una Noche de Ayuda Financiera y FAFSA el martes 13 de enero, de 6:00 a 7:30 p. m., en CFCC Union Station (salón 212).
✔️ Asistencia personalizada con profesionales capacitados en ayuda financiera
✔️ Orientación paso a paso para maximizar tu elegibilidad de ayuda
✔️ Información sobre oportunidades de becas y programas de CFCC
✔️ Abierto a estudiantes de secundaria, estudiantes universitarios, estudiantes adultos y familias
📍 502 N. Front Street, Wilmington
💲 ¡Evento gratuito!
👉 Más información: cfcc.edu/fafsa-nights/
¡No pierdas esta oportunidad de recibir ayuda experta y dar el siguiente paso hacia tu educación!
Congratulations to Riley Trimble on her career milestone of 500 points and 400 rebounds!
Also- vote Ava Kita for Star News Athlete of the week! https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2026/01/05/wilmington-nc-starnews-athlete-of-the-week-poll-jan-5/87993309007/
Also- vote Ava Kita for Star News Athlete of the week! https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2026/01/05/wilmington-nc-starnews-athlete-of-the-week-poll-jan-5/87993309007/
🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Elizabeth is a 12th grader at Topsail High School, nominated by another student for her kindness, leadership, and strong academic performance.
Elizabeth maintains a 4.7 GPA while staying involved in several school activities. She serves as president of the STAN Club, works as a student director for the THS theatre program, and helped start the EC Buddies Club. Her classmate shared that one thing that stands out about Elizabeth is how she treats everyone with respect and works to make sure all students feel valued.
Most mornings, Elizabeth arrives at school around 6:30 a.m. so she can greet and support students with special needs as they start their day. Her consistent effort has helped build a more welcoming environment within the school, and many students have noticed how her leadership has encouraged greater understanding and inclusion.
Outside of school, Elizabeth enjoys reading, writing, pickleball, and singing. Her favorite food is Burrito Shak, and her favorite color is purple. She has a dog named Rey, and her favorite poem is “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver.
💜 Thank you, Elizabeth, for the kindness and commitment you show at Topsail High School.
Elizabeth is a 12th grader at Topsail High School, nominated by another student for her kindness, leadership, and strong academic performance.
Elizabeth maintains a 4.7 GPA while staying involved in several school activities. She serves as president of the STAN Club, works as a student director for the THS theatre program, and helped start the EC Buddies Club. Her classmate shared that one thing that stands out about Elizabeth is how she treats everyone with respect and works to make sure all students feel valued.
Most mornings, Elizabeth arrives at school around 6:30 a.m. so she can greet and support students with special needs as they start their day. Her consistent effort has helped build a more welcoming environment within the school, and many students have noticed how her leadership has encouraged greater understanding and inclusion.
Outside of school, Elizabeth enjoys reading, writing, pickleball, and singing. Her favorite food is Burrito Shak, and her favorite color is purple. She has a dog named Rey, and her favorite poem is “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver.
💜 Thank you, Elizabeth, for the kindness and commitment you show at Topsail High School.
Join us for basketballs first home conference games of the season! Our Pirates will be taking on North Brunswick starting at 4PM! Tickets can be pre-purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/NC2373
Congratulations to the class of 2026 - way to go Pirates!! Here is a link to today's graduation ceremonies: https://youtu.be/04QO5u5kfqU
Welcome back everyone! Check out this weeks athletic events! Tickets can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/NC2373
Our girls basketball team had an impressive showing at this years Hoggard Holiday Classic. Ava Kita broke the tournament single game scoring record with a 32 point performance and was the tournaments leading scorer! Our Pirates went 2-1 overall and Ava Kita and Charley Moore were named to the All-Classic Team. Catch our basketball teams at home next Wednesday and Friday, Go Pirates!
We hope you have been enjoying your holiday season! Our OUTSTANDING teachers are about to begin another semester of educational excellence! Please join me in congratulating December's Pirates of the Month for raising the bar so each student may "Find Their Fit" and let their potential soar! Happy New Year! Go Pirates!
