One of the very first Senior Spotlights for the Class of  2023 stars the incredible Samantha Carmichael. Samantha has been a part of the RMA family for just four years–she joined us in ninth grade–but it feels like she has been with us the whole time! She has really brightened the entire school with her hilarious and fun-loving personality and has become one of the easiest students to get to know at RMA. People who know Samantha all agree that her sense of humor, kind manner, and ability to make anyone smile really set her apart. Samantha’s positive effect on people can be summed up best by Mary Kimbrell Livermon, who says, “I always enjoy seeing Sam every day at school because she is such a lively spirit and never fails to make me laugh,” and Rachael Godwin, who says that “Samantha is such a great friend and can keep me laughing even in the worst situations.”. Being friends with Samantha, I am able to personally say that is very true. 

When it comes to school, Samantha is an extremely hard worker. With a rigorous senior schedule consisting of Honors Calculus, Honors English, AP Environmental Science, and AP Psychology, Samantha still makes time for classes that challenge her creatively (Ceramics) and physically (Weightlifting) while also taking part in a wide variety of clubs. Her participation in Key Club shows her dedication to her community, while her memberships in the Kindness Club and EC Club allow her sweet nature to really shine through. A dedicated Christian, Samantha is even able to share her faith with others by taking part in the Fellowship of Christain Athletes. Outside of school, one of Samantha’s favorite things to do is go to the lake where, over the summers, she works at The Shoppe at LKG. She also enjoys hanging out with her friends and family on the weekends. 

Not only can Samantha’s hard work attitude be seen in the classroom, but also on the soccer field. Samantha has played soccer since she was three years old, and it quickly became one of the most important parts of her life. She is currently a member of the Pitt-Greenville Soccer Association Stars Premier Team, where she plays center mid or center defense. Her team is having an amazing season to add to their already impressive record! Samantha’s dedication to soccer over the years has really paid off, which can be seen with her All-Conference and Honorable mention awards. 

Samantha is going to be applying to Chowan, ECU, Meredith, NC State, and Elon this fall, and even though she does not really know which one she will attend, we just know that she will thrive at whichever college is lucky enough to have her. She is currently planning to major in physical therapy, which will definitely be an amazing career for her. Samantha is certainly going to go very far in life, and we wish her all the best at Rocky Mount Academy!

Get to know Samantha! 

What is your favorite movie? –The Blind Side 

Who is your role model?– My mom because she is a hard worker and pushes me daily

What will you miss about RMA?– All the friends I have made over the year and the small classroom setting 

What is one piece of advice you’d give to an incoming freshman?– Don’t sweat the small stuff–everything will work out in the end. 

What is your funniest story at RMA?– When I had to walk around school with crutches for like 2 weeks and got to make everyone carry my stuff around for me.

What is something nobody knows about you?– I have compartment syndrome and I do weightlifting every day. 

If you were trapped on a deserted island, what three things would you bring?– I would bring food, water, and a boat.