This week’s Senior Spotlight focuses on one of RMA’s very brightest who is known for her creative abilities and talents as well as her kind demeanor: Carley Outlaw. Carley is a lifer here at RMA and has made her presence known since she started in Pre-K. She is a friend I have had since birth, as Carley and I have been a part of the same church for our whole lives, which I must give credit to for being the foundation of our friendship. We have made so many memories at youth group gatherings and retreats, and during service projects, so I can confidently say that my time here would not have been the same without Carley. Carley describes herself as empathetic, helpful, and driven, and I have had the privilege of watching these qualities shine through her even at a young age. Her friend Sarah Cathryne Coltrane agrees, stating, “Carley is the embodiment of what a true friend is: kind, loving, and devoted. We need more Carleys in the world.”

Carley sets very high goals for herself and never backs down until she achieves them. Her goal is to attend nursing school. Carley’s drive to achieve these goals and to work as hard as she can has resulted in a very impressive course load that includes Pre-Calculus, AP English 12, AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, AP Art, Media Office, and Sports Management. Her dedication to these classes has earned her many awards over the years: Excellence in Art 1, 2, and 3, Academic Excellence in AP Biology, Most Improved in English 9, Highest Average in CP Geometry, Academic Excellence in French II, the Junior Class Service Award, and Outstanding Achievement in Honors English 10. While Carley excels in the classroom, she thrives most in Mrs. Hunter’s room where her artistic talents shine. Carley can quite literally do anything from calligraphy to incredible drawings and paintings. I do not know many people as talented as she is! 

In addition to keeping up with her studies, Carley participates in or leads a variety of clubs. She is a member of the Beta Club, Photography Club, FCA, and Key Club. She is President of two new clubs that she created this year: Carbon Club and Kindness Club. Carley also has taken on the role of Anatomy Club President this year. She serves as SGA’s Secretary and the Social Media Chair of Media Office, where she brings a lot to the table with all of her creative ideas. Carley can often be found on the soccer field or cheering on the Eagles as a cheerleader. She is often the creative talent behind the cheer team’s fabulous banners. When she is not in the classroom, on the field, or working on an art project, Carley is tutoring younger students, spending time with her friends, getting involved in her youth group with retreats and regular meetings, or working towards her Gold Award as a Girl Scout. Clearly, Carley is very active both in and out of the classroom, and she contributes so much time and talent to all that she does. 

Carley is one of the most helpful and kind-hearted people you will ever meet, and I am so lucky to call her one of my very best friends. There are not many people who would spend hours decorating their new room at their new house during the busyness of the first week of the school year, but Carley did this for me because she knows how much I dread organizing and unpacking. I am thankful for so many good memories with her, and I know that we will continue to make many more throughout the rest of our senior year and in college and beyond. Carley is working on applications to UNC, the ECU Honors College, and USC in pursuit of a nursing major, and if we do not end up in the same place next year, I will be sad not seeing one of my favorite people every day, but I will be making many visits to Carley’s school of choice no matter where that may be.

Read more about Carley Below:

1. Describe your dream vacation. Going to the Hamptons 
2. Who is your role model? Elle Woods 
3. What is something nobody knows about you? I hope to become a surgeon in the future.
4. If you were trapped on a deserted island, what three things would you bring? Mascara, a Nespresso machine, and a hair straightener 
5. What will you miss about RMA? My friends
6. What is your funniest story at RMA? The time Mari Robin threw up on my shoe
7. What is one piece of advice you’d give to an incoming freshman? Get involved in school activities early.
8. What class would you take again, and why? Geometry with Mrs. Meadows because I loved that class