DYLAN, age 13, a rising 9th grader, traveled to Oriental from Illinois with his mom, Lori and his dad, James to “Catch his Dream.” Dylan was born with a congenital heart defect that has required many surgeries.
The CATCH-A-DREAM Foundation provided this opportunity to Dylan. Catch-A-Dream Host Volunteer Hayden Simons escorted the family from Charlotte. Even during the sweltering heat, Capt. Jennings Rose of North State Guide Service LLC was able to help Dylan “Catch his Dream” by sinking a hook into a big, 45+-inch drum – what a day!!
A special thanks to Lynelle & Mark Brewington from Southern Sky Lodge in Oriental for fantastic accommodations for the family to stay.
Local caterer Mary Ellen Ham prepared an amazing dinner for everyone with a homemade showstopper chocolate cake. She even taught the family how to fry up a fish that Dylan caught. They loved the flavor and the special cooking lesson. Then came the Dedication Ceremony, held at Southern Sky Lodge. Hayden Simons, the Host Volunteer who traveled from Memphis Tennessee for Catch-A-Dream presented Dylan, his mother, and father with plaques and each received a Bible. In addition he presented Dylan with a beautiful throw that has the bible verse ISAIAH 40:31.
The County Compass, August 2025
