This senior spotlight focuses on a very special girl in the Class of 2023: Elle Bartolomeo. I can truly say that, ever since Elle joined us at RMA in the fifth grade, she has made a difference here. Her positive attitude and smile every morning brightens my day, and she exhibits her caring personality by lifting people up when they are sad. I couldn’t agree more when Elle describes herself as bubbly, sweet, and kind-hearted. These qualities shine through Elle each and every day. If you know Elle, you may know she has the most contagious laughter that always brings a smile to my face. Elle’s friend, Riley Bowles, expands on Elle’s personality by saying, “Elle is quite the person to know. We have been friends since the fifth grade, and I truly don’t know what I would have done without her. Elle is always someone you can count on to be there for you and give you advice when you most definitely need it. Love you moore and moore everyday, bart” (inside joke).

During this school year, Elle is enrolled in a number of rigorous classes. She is taking Honors Spanish 4, AP Psychology, AP Literature, Honors Calculus, and AP Environmental Science. She is also taking Ceramics for the first time this year. Even with that intense course load, Elle still finds time to participate in various clubs. She is Key Club’s Publicity Chair and a member of the Senior Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spanish National Honor Society, National Honors Society, and Global Studies. Elle’s dedication to academics and leadership is leading her to apply to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, East Carolina University, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Florida. 

Aside from academics, Elle also participates in tennis and soccer as part of her life here at RMA. Elle has received the Coach’s Award for varsity tennis in grades 9th, 10th, and 11th. In addition to the Coach’s Award, she was also given the All-Conference award in 10th and 11th grades. Not only does she play tennis for RMA each fall, but she also spends summers working at tennis clinics at Rocky Mount Academy and Benvenue Country Club, and her practice in the off-season has greatly contributed to her success every year! Along with tennis, she thoroughly enjoys playing each soccer season with her friends. 

Elle hopes to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or North Carolina State University with a major in Communications. Our RMA family will greatly miss Elle’s kind and loving spirit, but we want the best for her in life to come! 

Get to Know Elle:

What is your favorite movie?

The Proposal

Describe your dream vacation.

Definitely on a tropical island somewhere that I can get tan.

Who is your role model?

My glamma, of course. She is the most fashionable person I know.

What is something nobody knows about you?

I laugh when I get scared. 

If you were trapped on a deserted island, what three things would you bring?

Fruit, Aquaphor, and a portable fan.

What will you miss about RMA?

The small classes. It’s definitely something I’ve appreciated over the years. 

What is your funniest story at RMA?

It would probably be when I was doing the play in 6th grade with some of my friends. We had no idea what our lines were. 

What is one piece of advice you’d give to an incoming freshman?

Take advantage of going to see your teachers when you need help during study hall or Flex.

What class would you take again, and why?

Ms. Knox’s English class in tenth grade because she would always bring us homemade baked goods.