From the stage to classroom, there is no one more talented than the focus of this senior spotlight: Ezra Moore! A lifer at Rocky Mount Academy, Ezra is a critical part of the class of 2023. He is hard to miss–not just because of his height but because of his outgoing and animated personality. If you are fortunate enough to be friends with him, you will also know Ezra is one of the funniest people ever, with the ability to make almost any situation into something hilarious. He is such a happy, fun person to be around, and I can speak from personal experience when I say he is always there to listen to you.  

Ezra is also one of the smartest people I know, which is definitely seen in his class list, consisting of AP Physics, AP Calculus, English 12 Honors, AP Psychology, AP Government. His intelligence and hard work has certainly not gone unnoticed, as Ezra has won the Turner Battle Scholarship and Kaye Ellen Excellence in Writing Scholarship. He was also a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, which he got for his incredible PSAT scores. While Ezra shines in the classroom, his real talent lies with theatre. He has participated in all aspects of it, ranging from acting to play writing. He has been in every Middle and Upper School production, and for the past few years, has even been the musical director–and I can personally say, he is extremely good at it! This fall, he played Jean val Jean in Wilson’s production of Les Misérables. It made for very long and busy days, with up to 4-hour rehearsals 5 days a week (including Saturdays) and a 45-minute drive there and back, but he said getting to be friends with many new people made it all worth it. He also had the opportunity to go to Governor’s School for Theatre at Meredith College this summer. It had a very complex application process that included submitting 3 recordings of monologues, one of which he had to write himself. While there, he got to help write and perform an one-act play in only three weeks! He is obviously extremely talented when it comes to theatre, and the Drama department would not be the same without him in it. Landon Duff summed it up perfectly when he said, “Ezra is one of the hardest working people I know. The work he has done for his classes and the Drama department in unmatched.” He is always willing to lend a helping hand and never fails to give his all to every production. 

Ezra is very active in many clubs at RMA, such as Drama Club, Beta Club, and Upper School Chorus. He has played Tennis and done Cross Country over the course of his high school career but was unfortunately unable to participate this year due to his involvement in theatre productions. In his free time, Ezra enjoys singing–and is so good that he qualified for a national competition sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing– dancing (especially tap, which he taught himself how to do), theatre, and piano. He has also tried his hand at writing poetry and songs. He is very good at the latter, and anyone who’s been in French with him can tell you, “Good Little Student” will forever be the best song ever written. He also helps his parents at the Red Oak Area Historic Preservation Society and the events they put on. 

This fall, Ezra has applied to 15 different colleges because admission to musical theatre programs is very unique and competitive. Of those 15, though, his top three are the University of Michigan, Oklahoma City University, and University of Arizona. There is no doubt in my mind that Ezra’s talent and awesome personality will take him very far in life. He will thrive no matter where is, and he is going to do so many incredible things. We are all very excited to see where you go in life, Ezra, and I can’t wait to see you on Broadway one day! 

Get to Know Ezra!

What is your favorite movie?

Everything Everywhere All At Once, which you might not know about me because I never ever talk about it at all.

Describe your dream vacation. 

Some scenic European places with lots of cool architecture and food. Just the kind of stuff I’d never get to experience here.

Who is your role model?

He’s not really a role model, but Ramin Karimloo is the actor who really got me into theatre as a child. Also Tristan Ream, my TAC at Governor’s School, is a bit of a role model because he was really good at being a respected leader while still being nice and fun, which is what I strive to be.

What is something nobody knows about you? 

You probably don’t know this, but I actually went to Governor’s School this summer, and I did theatre, which you probably didn’t know because I have never brought it up in my entire life ever. I also love Everything Everywhere All At Once and I’ve also never mentioned that ever and never talk about any of those things ever at all.

In all seriousness, I don’t know if there’s anything that nobody knows about me. I am an oversharer.

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

my phone, a friend, and a Taco Bell

What will you miss about RMA?

I’ll miss knowing everyone and being able to talk to anyone.

What is your funniest story at RMA? 

In hindsight, the time in third grade when I cried for 3 days straight because Mrs. Green accidentally pulled the wrong sheet out of my workbook

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

Love your short time here and love yourself.