For Union Pines High School graduate Mylee Scruggs, success has never been defined by just one accomplishment. Throughout high school, she balanced academics, athletics and community service, building a resume that reflects a commitment to leadership and serving others.
Her path to Moore County and graduation from Union Pines was unique. As the daughter of a career Army serviceman, Mylee moved frequently while growing up, often changing schools every couple of years. Union Pines was the first school where she spent all four years of high school.
“That experience was really special to me,” said Mylee.
A four-sport athlete, Mylee competed in volleyball, basketball, track and field, and women’s lacrosse. After her freshman year, she shifted her focus from basketball to pole vaulting, earning a bronze medal at the 2026 NCHSAA Indoor Track and Field State Championships.
Her greatest athletic success came on the lacrosse field. Having never played the sport before entering high school, Mylee embraced the challenge of learning a completely new game.
“What really drove me to lacrosse was the learning experience,” she said. “I’ve never played a sport like that before.”
From spending much of her freshman season learning the fundamentals to helping Union Pines win back-to-back NCHSAA Women’s Lacrosse State Championships during her sophomore and junior years, Mylee saw firsthand how dedication pays off.
In the classroom, Mylee maintained a GPA above 4.2 while balancing athletics and rigorous coursework. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.
Away from school, service has become one of the defining parts of her life. She volunteers through her church by working with young children, has helped coach youth volleyball and other youth sports, and has volunteered with hurricane relief efforts. Mylee said her passion for helping others began in elementary school, when she crocheted hats for children and adults undergoing cancer treatment.
“I’ve always had a passion to serve,” she said. “I don’t like having a lot of downtime. I like being active, and I like serving.”
That same desire led her to join Whispering Pines Fire & Rescue as a junior firefighter in November 2024. Entering the department without a family background in the fire service, she immersed herself in learning the profession, completing the High School Fire Academy and earning her Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications while continuing to pursue additional training.
Rather than being intimidated by working alongside experienced firefighters, Mylee viewed it as an opportunity to grow. She learned everything from fireground operations to locating equipment on the apparatus.
“I wanted to be beneficial and not a liability,” Mylee said.
Following her high school graduation in June, Mylee will begin a preparatory scholars program for the United States Coast Guard Academy. Upon successful completion of the one-year program, she will join the Academy’s Class of 2031.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Mylee admitted it wasn’t always part of her plan.
“I absolutely had no idea that even a service academy was anywhere on my list of things to do after high school,” she said. “How it all worked out is really, really special to me.”
When asked what has guided her through high school, Scruggs offered a simple answer: “It’s my priorities.”
Those priorities, faith, service, academics, and athletics, have helped shape a young woman whose impact on Moore County is already being felt and whose future of serving others is just beginning.
If you have someone you would like to nominate for our Meet Moore People segment, email [email protected].
Contributed photo of Mylee Scruggs.
Curtis Self | Reporter
Article by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Curtis Self. Curtis has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2019.
Follow Sandhills Sentinel: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Threads | Newsletter
