In this week’s Senior Spotlight, we will be focusing on one of the lifers in the class of 2023, Virginia Feagans. Virginia is a friend to all at Rocky Mount Academy. Not only is she kind-hearted, determined, and honest, but she also never fails to put a smile on my face. I am so incredibly grateful to be able to say that she is one of my very best friends. Adored by teachers and all other members of the RMA team, Virginia brings high energy and a smile to every class. She is always ready to learn and aid her classmates in any way she can. In her free time, you are most likely to find Virginia hiking, reading, or spending time with friends and family. I know I speak for everyone when I say that Virginia is a vibrant part of our community and the embodiment of what an Eagle should be. As her best friend Harrison Vaughn puts it, “It would be an understatement to call Virginia my best friend. She’s like a sister to me, we’ve grown up together and been best friends for as long as I can remember. She’s such an unforgettable person and I’m looking forward to many more years of friendship.”

With her outgoing personality and academic achievement, Virginia acts as a role model for all scholars at RMA. Virginia has always challenged herself with a rigorous course load, and her senior year has been no exception. This year, Virginia’s schedule consists of French 4, Honors Calculus, AP Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, and Media Office. Anyone who knows her won’t be surprised to hear Virginia has received countless awards for her academic excellence. A few of these awards include the Turner Battle Scholarship and Joshua Weaver Memorial Scholarship, as well as A Honor Roll (9,10,11) Academic Excellence in French (9,10,11)  Academic Excellence in Honors English 9, and the opportunity to serve as a junior graduation marshal.

Virginia also shines brightly in athletics. She has participated in cross country, soccer, the equestrian team, and tennis. Virginia just competed in her final equestrian competition and received her personal best score! While challenging herself academically, Virginia also works hard to give back to her school community. She is an active member of numerous clubs including FCA, Kindness Club, Carbon Club, Key Club, Beta Club, NHS, and Global Studies. Her outreach does not stop with her school community but continues into Nash County as well. She is a member of the Tar River County Chorus, a youth deacon at First Presbyterian Church, and she participates in local theatre.  

Looking forward, we can expect great things from Virginia! She has applied to UNC, NC State, University of Tennessee, Sewanee, Appalachian State, Clemson, and Wake Forest. She has already received acceptances from UNC, NC State, the University of Tennessee, Sewanee, Appalachian, and Clemson and plans to major in environmental science. This goes hand-in-hand with her love for nature and the outdoors. We know wherever she chooses, Virginia has a bright future ahead of her. Although it will be hard to lose such an amazing student and friend, everyone at Rocky Mount Academy wishes Virginia the best of luck in all of her future endeavors. 

Get to know Virginia

1. What is your favorite movie? 
   1. Thor: Ragnarok 
2. Describe your dream vacation. 
   1. It would be a road trip to all of the national parks. 
3. Who is your role model?
   1. My parents because they have taught me the value of hard work and are always there for me no matter what. 
4. What is something nobody knows about you?
   1. My favorite sport to watch is Formula 1 racing 
5. If you were trapped on a deserted island, what three things would you bring?
   1. Lots of water and a boat, as well as a book that has detailed instructions on how to sail and navigate that boat. 
6. What will you miss about RMA?
   1.  My friends and the smaller class sizes. 
7. What is your best memory at RMA?
   1. Probably the time a bunch of my friends threw me a surprise party for my birthday in Ceramics!
8. What is one piece of advice you’d give to an incoming freshman?
   1. Freshman year matters way more than you think, so always try your best in every class!
9. What class would you take again, and why?
   1. Ceramics, because it was so much fun to be able to create something and get to see your hard work pay off, and it was super relaxing to have a low-stress class to be creative in.