Kayla Folkes Captures State Championship as First Flight Finishes Fourth at 4A State Meet

Written by Christian Bateman 

KERNERSVILLE, N.C. — The First Flight Nighthawks delivered a strong performance at the NCHSAA 4A Women’s Cross Country State Championship, earning a fourth-place team finish behind an outstanding individual performance from senior Kayla Folkes, who captured the state championship title.

Folkes led the way for First Flight, crossing the finish line in 18:07.41 in the 5K race to claim first place and become the 4A state champion.

Right behind her was teammate Kiah Smith, who finished second overall with a time of 18:27.90. The Nighthawks placed two runners at the top of the individual standings, showcasing the strength of their program on the state’s biggest stage.

First Flight also received strong performances from Stella Berryman and Quinn Wisecarver, who finished 30th and 31st, respectively. Berryman recorded a time of 21:45.69, while Wisecarver crossed the finish line in 21:48.82.

Ella Pauls placed 43rd with a time of 22:21.66, followed by Savannah Tyson in 65th at 23:28.98. Annabelle Harris rounded out the Nighthawks’ lineup, finishing 66th with a time of 23:32.84.

Folkes’ latest state championship adds another milestone to an impressive high school cross country career. Her victory marks the seventh state title of her high school career, further cementing her legacy as one of North Carolina’s premier distance runners.

With a state champion, a runner-up, and a fourth-place team finish, First Flight once again showed why the Nighthawks remain one of the state’s standout cross country programs.