This week’s Senior Spotlight stars Henry Smith, a lifer at RMA! I do not think that I have ever heard Henry say an unkind word, and I am confident that both our classmates and teachers would say the same. While Henry is often a quiet leader, there is no one in our class with a more iconic laugh. His friend, Isaac Lewis, agrees: “Henry is by far one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. We’ve been friends ever since I came to RMA, and the thing I’ll always remember him for is how contagious his laugh is. He can put a smile on your face no matter how bad your day’s been.” Henry used the words honest, friendly, and helpful to describe himself, and it is not difficult to notice these qualities as soon as you meet him.

Henry is one of the hardest-working students in our grade, as anyone can see from his impressive list of awards: Academic Excellence in French 1, 2, and 3, Academic Excellence in Advanced Functions and Modeling, Outstanding Achievement in Honors European History, and Academic Excellence in Chemistry. Not only does Henry dedicate his time and talent to the classroom, but also to the soccer team where he plays midfield. His commitment, attitude, and skill earned him the Coach’s Award. He also played basketball for a few years and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

When Henry is not at school or on the soccer field, he can be found working at his family business and a staple location in Rocky Mount: Smith’s Red and White. Henry dedicates a significant amount of his time to stocking the shelves at the store or working behind the meat counter. Henry’s strong work ethic and kind demeanor make him an asset to his family’s store. He also makes time to watch sports, hang out with friends, and go to the beach.

Henry’s experience and talent at the store have led him to pursue a major in business. He has applied to Campbell, ECU, USC, UNCW, NC State, and High Point University. He has already been accepted by Campbell, which is incredible as it is still very early in the school year. Henry and I have been friends for a long time, so I will miss seeing him every day, having family dinners, and watching UNC basketball games together. I am confident that Henry’s sense of humor, drive, and kindness will lead him to success no matter what life has in store for him, and I know that we will keep in touch.

Read Below to get to know Henry:

1. What is your favorite movie? Stepbrothers
2. Describe your dream vacation. I would love to go somewhere warm and tropical like Jamaica.
3. Who is your role model? My role model is my Papa because he taught me so many lessons and I value the time I was able to spend with him.
4. What is something nobody knows about you? I am left-handed and right-footed. 
5. If you were trapped on a deserted island, what three things would you bring? a friend, my phone, a portable charger  
6. What will you miss about RMA? I will miss my friends the most.
7. What is your funniest story at RMA? I think that my funniest story at RMA is when Champ said that Ms O’Brien cried when her water bottle spilled.
8. What is one piece of advice you’d give to an incoming freshman? Don’t say you hate math in Mrs. Helms’s room.
9. What class would you take again, and why? English 11 with Dr. O’Brien because she is so nice and her class taught me so much.