One of this week’s senior spotlights is on a member of the class of 2023 who has, without a doubt, been a positive addition to RMA since his arrival in third grade: Gabe Winham. When asked to describe himself, Gabe uses these two words: friendly and determined. I couldn’t agree more. His classmate and friend, Jarrett Barfield, describes Gabe as “diligent and caring.” Gabe makes his classmates smile and laugh each and every day, and everyone admires his calm and kind manner. It is simply not in Gabe’s nature to be anything other than respectful! 

As for his determination, you can see this quality in both Gabe’s academics and athletics. He is currently enrolled in Ecology, English 12, Algebra 3, and AP Environmental Science, and he takes his love of sports (more on this in a minute!) into the classroom with Sports Management and weightlifting with Coach Hahula. His interest and ability in athletics occupy a great deal of Gabe’s time outside of the classroom too. Gabe is a four-sport varsity athlete who devotes his time to the cross-country team, swim team, basketball team, and baseball team. Without a doubt, Gabe is one of the most athletic people I know, and he truly excels at every single sport he tries. At the athletic banquet following each school year, you will hear his name being called many times throughout the night. His efforts earned him NCISAA All-State for cross country in 2022 and numerous other awards over the years. 

Although he spends endless hours practicing his sports, Gabe also balances his time well and participates in the numerous clubs RMA has to offer. Gabe is an avid member of Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Fishing Club. Gabe and his partner, Cason Price, have been very successful over the years in winning fishing tournaments on RMA’s behalf. This is just one of many examples of how Gabe excels even what some might say is “just a hobby.” As you can tell, Gabe is very busy between his schoolwork, sports, and clubs, but he still manages to enjoy his free time by hanging out with friends, fishing, and just being outdoors. 

This fall, Gabe applied to East Carolina University, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, North Carolina State University, and William Peace University. Gabe will be continuing his academic studies and athletic career by committing to play baseball at William Peace University. We are sad to watch him go, but we wish him the best of luck for what’s to come!

Get to know Gabe:

Favorite movie?

Coach Carter

Describe your dream vacation.

I would be on a beach where the water is super clear, in a place that does not have a large population, and I would love to be offshore fishing.

Who is your role model?

My role models are my parents.

What is something nobody knows about you?

I busted my chin open and got it glued back together.

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

Water, Food, and something to protect myself

What will you miss about RMA?

The family of RMA 

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

Do not start any drama.

What class would you take again, and why?

Ecology, because I am very interested in animals and river systems