This week’s Senior Spotlight shines on one of the “lifers” in the class of 2023: Gavin Bauer! Gavin has made RMA a better place since Pre-K with his sense of humor and quick wit. Gavin describes himself as friendly and a bad joke teller, though most people find him to be very funny. Add in how intelligent, talented, and welcoming he is (class Easter egg hunts hosted by Gavin’s family are some of our best Lower School memories, so he comes by this friendliness naturally!) and you’ve got a recipe for a truly great classmate. His best friend, Darshan Patel, comments on their friendship, “Gavin has been my best friend for basically my whole life, and throughout that entire time, he has pushed me to be the best I can be. If I could think of anyone to make a new scientific breakthrough, it would be him, and I know he’ll make an impact at whatever college he ends up at.” It is hard to find someone as self-motivated as Gavin, and our class wouldn’t be the same without him! 

Academically, Gavin is at the top of the senior class. He is enrolled in Honors English 12, AP Physics, AP Calculus, AP Psychology, and AP Biology. Gavin especially shines in math and science classes but also displays his talents in his Music and Drama electives. Gavin is a member of National Honor Society and was recognized with the high honor of being a graduation marshal last year. When asked about awards he has received, he stated that he has won several academic awards throughout high school, but his most notable award is the Robert F. Sykes Junior Math Scholarship.

In addition to keeping up with his rigorous academic course load, Gavin keeps himself busy with a variety of activities both sponsored by and also outside of school. Gavin stays involved at RMA as an active member of Key Club and Beta Club, and he is a key member of the soccer team here! He is also very involved in his mother’s organization, Bundas Kids (BundasKids Foundation), and he has now been labeled as a board member for community events. Gavin is very talented in the arts, participating in drama as well as playing the piano. He has played since fifth grade, and while he used to play more competitively, he now does so as a means of relaxation. Other ways in which Gavin winds down or spends his free time include playing video games, hanging out with friends, or napping in a hammock next to the lake. 

I know that I speak for everyone here at RMA when I say that there is no doubt that Gavin will succeed. He has excelled here at RMA, and we can’t wait to watch him do the same next year. He has applied to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Brown University and has already been accepted to UNC! No matter where he chooses to further his education, I am confident that he will thrive. He will certainly be missed by all here in Rocky Mount!

Read below to learn about Gavin!

What is your favorite movie?

Iron Man

Describe your dream vacation. 

A scuba diving trip into a deep boat wreckage

Who is your role model?

My role model is probably my father

What is something nobody knows about you?

Even though I may seem like a busy bee to most people, I am quite lazy whenever I am at home and have to be reminded constantly to do something by my parents.

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

Probably a fishing rod, some flares, and a Swiss army knife

What will you miss about RMA?

I will probably miss some of the teachers the most, especially Mrs. Whitehurst and Mrs. Hunter.

What is your funniest story at RMA?

So a story I’m often reminded of is that in 6th grade (when I didn’t really know how Google Classroom worked),I corrected Mrs. Mesaros on something in a chat, and the whole class was able to see that I said it. I haven’t lived it down.

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

Always strive to challenge yourself and never give up on your goals. Even if things feel difficult, there is always a way to move forward.

What class would you take again, and why?

While most people probably disliked it, I would probably retake chemistry. I don’t know how to explain, but I enjoyed learning about the small ways how the world works.