June 8, 2026

Senior Salute: Honoring the Class of 2026

The Senior Salute is an annual tradition celebrating our graduating seniors as they transition from high school to college.

Through years of training, competition, and friendship, these athletes have helped shape and maintain the culture of Forge Fencing. They have forged new friendships and will become stewards of fencing and our community with global impact.

Congratulations to:

  • Enzo Donnelly (Chapel Hill High School) – Appalachian State University
  • Ava Ellis-Furlong (Riverside High School) – NC State University
  • Ned Eyster (Carrboro High School) – UNC Chapel Hill
  • Evan Fruth (Durham School of the Arts) – UNC Chapel Hill
  • Dylan Johnson (Research Triangle High School) – Wake Technical Community College
  • Ian Moore (East Chapel Hill High School) – University of California, Irvine
  • Sarah Mueller (East Chapel Hill High School) – NC State University
  • George Pellom (Insight Colearning) – College of Charleston
  • Tristan Shim (Orange High School) – UNC Charlotte
  • Leander Shindell (Durham School of the Arts) – Bowdoin College
  • Atticus Silver (Jordan High School) – Appalachian State University
  • Doya Wunnava (Jordan High School) – College destination to be announced
  • James Yan (North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics) – UNC Chapel Hill

As these athletes pursue new opportunities, we hope they carry with them lessons learned through fencing - discipline, resilience, sportsmanship, and adaptability. We hope they meet their new challenges in competitive environments with confidence, strong communication skills, and an awareness of the role and power of sport in our society. While we will miss seeing many of them on the fencing strip next season, we are excited to watch what they accomplish next.

Honoring Coach Tyler Offutt

Along with our seniors, we are also saying goodbye to staff member Tyler Offutt.

Over the years, Tyler has played a pivotal role in the development of our athletes and the growth of our club since reopening after the pandemic. During a period of significant change and transition, he helped support the evolution of Forge Fencing into the thriving community it is today. 

Tyler will be continuing his education through an intensive language program as he completes his master's degree at NC State University while studying in Taiwan. While we will miss seeing him in the club each day, we are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and know he will bring the same passion and commitment to this next adventure that he brought to Forge.

On behalf of the coaches, athletes, and families of Forge Fencing, we extend our sincere gratitude for everything Tyler and our seniors have done for our community.

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