Category Archives: World News

This DIY project illustrates a simple and effective method of converting an audio signal into a visual LED display using the LM3914 LED driver IC. The circuit responds to the amplitude of an audio or music signal and displays it as a rising LED pattern, making it useful as an audio level indicator or music visualiser.

A 230V AC mains supply is stepped down, rectified, and regulated to provide a stable 5V DC supply. The audio input is taken through an audio jack and suitably conditioned before being applied to the input of the LM3914. The IC internally divides the input voltage into ten levels and drives the LEDs sequentially as the audio level increases. Higher sound intensity causes more LEDs to glow, forming a clear bar-type display.

FLORENCE — Colton McElveen, a senior at Lamar High School, is a Post and Courier Pee Dee Academic Achiever for February 2026..

Academic Achievers are students selected by The Post and Courier Pee Dee that embody excellent academic performance, leadership skills and community impact. The awards celebrate the achievements of outstanding high school seniors in our region.

Two winners are chosen each month from submissions from public and private schools in Darlington and Florence counties.

At the end of the school year, two students will be selected to receive a $2,500 scholarship to recognize their hard work.

McElveen is a member of Lamar High School’s cross country and track teams, as well as the academic challenge team. He is also involved in 4-H, NEHS and Beta Club.

He’s a natural leader, Lamar High School William Lenard said in McElveen’s nomination. McElveen leads by example in particular as Student Body President.

“His calm confidence, thoughtful decision making and genuine support for others have made him a trusted voice among his peers and a respected partner for faculty and staff,” Lenard wrote in the nomination. “His presence enriches the culture of our campus, earning the admiration of students, teachers and community members alike.”

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I’ve been accepted to all of the colleges I applied to, including my top choices. I am currently deciding between Clemson University and the University of South Carolina. I plan to major in biology or follow a pre-medical track, depending on the opportunities available. My goal is to attend medical school and become a psychiatrist so I can better understand the connection between the brain, behavior and overall well-being while helping people navigate challenges in their lives.

Q: What field or major are you interested in pursuing, and why?

A: I’m interested in pursuing psychiatry because the human mind has always fascinated me. I’ve always wanted to help people and this feels like a way I can do that without getting into some of the grosser parts of the medical field. The pay is also pretty great; who wouldn’t want to make that much a year?

Q: How would you describe yourself?

A: I would describe myself as very goal-driven, which started very young thanks to my mom making me study spelling words 24/7. I always push myself to improve and to be the best I can at whatever I’m working toward, whether it’s academics, sports or personal projects. I also try to be a considerate person, genuinely wanting the best for those around me and always willing to help when someone needs it. On top of that, I think I could describe myself as funny because everyone says I am — but don’t quote me on that.

Q: What is your biggest goal or aspiration?

A: I think a given for most people is striving to achieve their professional goals and for me, that is becoming a psychiatrist. But if I am honest, that is not my biggest goal. The thing I hope to achieve most in the years ahead is maintaining the close relationship I share with my twin brother. We have grown up side by side, sharing experiences and challenges, and that bond has shaped a lot of who I am today. No matter where life takes me, through college, medical school or beyond, I want to make sure that connection stays strong.

Q: What is one accomplishment from high school you’re most proud of?

A: One accomplishment from high school that I am most proud of is going to be earning my associate’s degree. It is not an easy journey, as I had to take extra college-level classes on top of my regular coursework with very little support. My sister, Paige, and my guidance counselor, Ms. Nelson, were the only ones who truly knew what I needed to do since none of my friends had gone through this at my school. The workload was challenging and required a lot of dedication, but seeing everything finally come together and completing the degree has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It showed me what I am capable of when I push myself and stay committed to my goals.

Q: How have you made a difference in your school or community?

A: I have worked to make a difference in my school and community in several ways. I serve as Beta Club secretary, have been on Student Council throughout high school and am currently serving as student body president. I am also involved with NEHS as public relations, 4-H as vice president and participate in various local councils. Beyond these roles, I make it a priority to volunteer and help others when they need it. One of the ways I have made a particularly meaningful impact is by guiding students through dual enrollment courses. Having taken nearly every course available, I am able to answer questions, share advice and help others navigate a process that can otherwise be confusing. Being able to support my peers in this way has been one of the most rewarding parts of my high school experience.

Q: What is your favorite activity or club you’re involved in and why?

A: My favorite activity in school has been the biomedical courses offered through our magnet program. These classes helped me figure out what I want to pursue in the future and opened up many opportunities that shaped my interests. What made them so fun was that they were a different type of schoolwork. We did labs, dissections, problem-solving activities and more, which made learning interactive and engaging. Our senior project, which could be anything of our choosing, was another highlight. My brother and I chose to do a research project on stretching and it was a very enjoyable experience that allowed us to explore a topic we were curious about while working together. I also built strong relationships with my classmates along the way, and our teacher, Ms. King, made the experience even better with her enthusiasm, which was evident from the very first day and carried through all the way to our senior year.

Q: Who or what has inspired you the most during your high school journey?

A: It is hard for me to choose just one person, but two of my biggest inspirations during high school have been my coaches, Jason Myers and Stephen Burris. Coach Myers, who coached me in track and football, has been incredibly understanding of everything going on in my life and a huge supporter of my academics. He has always encouraged me to do better and has treated me and my family with kindness and consideration. Coach Burris helped me step out of my comfort zone by encouraging me to try something I had never done before: playing football. While I discovered that playing was not necessarily for me, the experience taught me the value of trying new things and staying involved and I continued the following year by filming, which was also very enjoyable. Both coaches have had a lasting impact on me, inspiring me to push myself, embrace new challenges and approach everything I do with dedication and care.

Q: What is one lesson you’ve learned that’s changed your perspective on life?

A: One lesson that has truly shaped my perspective on life came from my eighth grade teacher, Ms. Duffus, who once wrote in my yearbook: “Genius means nothing if you don’t use it.” At the time, it did not seem like a major life lesson, just something thoughtful she wrote, but it has taken on much deeper meaning throughout high school. I have realized that it does not matter if I am smart if I do not do anything with it or push myself to grow. That message encouraged me to challenge myself academically, take on leadership roles and step into opportunities that pushed me outside my comfort zone. Whenever things felt difficult or overwhelming, I reminded myself that ability alone is not enough, and that effort and action are what truly make a difference. It is a lesson that continues to guide how I approach school, my goals and life overall.

Q: What advice would you give to students who are just starting high school?

A: One piece of advice I would give to students just starting high school is not to slack off during your first year. I have heard many people say they wish they had taken things more seriously from the beginning instead of waiting until the end to try. When your GPA starts low, it can feel like it will never improve, and that mindset can follow you through high school. Starting strong sets the tone for everything that comes after.

Q: What is a fun fact about you?

A: I collect vinyl records and pins. I have a twin, Connor McElveen, who has also been recognized as an Academic Achiever.

Q: What is your favorite thing about living in the Pee Dee?

A: I love that my family is here and that our roots in the Pee Dee go way back. It’s the kind of place where people know each other and actually care, which makes it feel comfortable and familiar. I also love the small-town traditions that bring everyone together, like the Egg Scramble Jamboree, Christmas on Main and Friday night football games. I even live on a street named after my mom’s family, so home really feels like home for me.