This senior spotlight edition shines upon one of the sweetest people in the senior class of 2023: Tisha Patel! Tisha joined the Rocky Mount Academy family in the ninth grade, and I am so glad she did, as the class of 2023 would not be the same without her.  Kind, hardworking, and dedicated–there are no better words to describe her. Her hardworking nature allows her to be successful in each and every class, and it never fails to go unnoticed by peers and teachers alike. Tisha also does not have one mean bone in her body, as she is so kind to every person she meets. “Tisha is a great friend, she always brightens any conversation she’s in with her beautiful personality. I remember when she first started at RMA. She was shy at first but has really become part of the RMA community. She’s lovely to be around and I feel lucky to have her as a friend,” says Ashley Passmore and I couldn’t have said it better myself! 

Tisha is taking AP Psychology, Honors English 12, Honors Calculus, and AP Environmental, as well as Ceramics and Drama as her senior electives. She has worked so incredibly hard to be where she is today, and her efforts have certainly paid off, as she has received many awards over the course of her high school career, such as Best Essay in English 9 Advanced and Academic Excellence in a slew of classes: Advanced English 9 and 10, Honors World Cultures, Honors European History, and AP Biology. 

Tisha gives back to her community by volunteering with Key Club. She is also very active in Photo Club and Drama Club, and this year, she is sharing her theatrical talents by being part of the Upper School production of Mamma Mia!. She is lighting up on the stage, and I highly recommend coming to see her perform! She also participates on the Varsity Cheerleading team at RMA. When she isn’t at school, Tisha loves hanging out with her family and friends, as well as watching Netflix.

This fall, Tisha applied to NC State, the Stevens Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, and East Carolina University, and she has already been accepted to Rutgers and ECU! Tisha’s hardworking and loving spirit is going to carry her very far in life. Her gentle nature is a trait that will never fail her, and I think I speak for everyone when I say I am so very excited to see where her life takes her. From everyone here at Rocky Mount Academy, we wish you the very best next year and all the years after that!
 

Get to know Tisha!

What is your favorite movie? 10 Things I Hate About You

Describe your dream vacation. Amalfi Coast, Italy 

Who is your role model? My mom because she is very good at balancing her work and home life

What is something nobody knows about you? I was born in New Jersey.

If you were trapped on a deserted island, what three things would you bring? My phone, my favorite cousin, Taco Bell 

What will you miss about RMA? My friends 

What is your funniest story at RMA? Kristen and I were looking for costumes in the Drama room closet, and suddenly some people came in to tour. We panicked and didn’t know what to do, so we hid in the closet until they left.  

What is one piece of advice you’d give to an incoming freshman? Don’t be too hard on yourself. Try your best, but remember to always take care of yourself first. 

What class would you take again, and why? AP Government because of everyone who took that class