Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill and Al Blanton
Carson Hyche isn’t the kind of young man who waits for life to slow down. He meets challenges head-on, whether it’s balancing a packed schedule, helping care for his family, or preparing to serve his country.
The Jasper High School senior’s days are a constant shuffle between school, baseball practice, extracurriculars, work, and family time, yet he never complains.
“Over the past two years, I’ve developed strong time management skills,” he says. “I go to school, then baseball. After that, I squeeze in study time before heading to work. If I need to visit my dad in the hospital, I make time for that, too.”
Carson’s father, David Hyche, was diagnosed with carcinoid cancer last year, a reality that has changed everything for their family. But if you ask Carson about it, he doesn’t dwell on the hardship. Instead, he speaks of his father’s strength. “He’s fought a warrior’s battle,” Carson says. “Seeing his toughness and perseverance has shaped who I am.”
Carson’s mother, Cynthia, is another guiding force, encouraging him to stay determined and true to himself. “My parents have always taught me to be humble and work hard,” he says. “Everything they’ve done has been to help me succeed.”
A natural leader, Carson serves as president of Jasper High’s Key Club and is an active member of the Honor Society, Beta Club, Spanish Club, Student Council, and Interact Club. On the baseball field, he plays both outfield and pitcher, bringing the same work ethic to the game that he applies everywhere else.
But Carson’s ambition stretches beyond the classroom and the baseball diamond. Since childhood, he has felt drawn to military service. At first, he considered enlisting, but a conversation with his family made him rethink his path. “One day, my family and I were on Smith Lake, and they talked to me about becoming an officer and being a leader and guiding Marines and sailors,” he recalls. “That really sparked my interest.”
That interest solidified during a family trip to Washington, D.C., when he saw a bus of newly commissioned Marine Corps officers. “Seeing how well-kept and mature they were, I knew that’s exactly what I wanted to be.”
Now, Carson is one step closer to that goal. He attended the Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar and earned an NROTC scholarship worth $180,000 to attend Auburn University. He plans to become an infantry officer, though he’s also considering a future as a pilot.
One moment from the summer seminar left a lasting impression. Carson heard the story of Lieutenant Travis Manion, a Naval Academy graduate who lost his life rescuing an injured comrade in Iraq. His motto, “If not me, then who?” stood out to Carson. “That quote has stuck with me,” he says. “It reminds me that someone has to step up and lead.”
Despite the pressure of school, sports, and responsibilities at home, Carson still finds ways to be a regular teenager. He loves hunting, fishing, working out, and playing games with friends. And, in case anyone was wondering, he has strong opinions on food, with a special disdain for pickles. “It’s never a good surprise when you bite into a sandwich and find an unexpected pickle,” he laughs.
As graduation approaches, Carson remains focused on the road ahead. When asked what advice he’d give to someone facing challenges, he doesn’t hesitate. “Stay the course. Life will knock you down, but you have to keep getting back up.”
With his resilience, discipline, and heart for service, Carson Hyche is prepared to do just that. WL
