For this week’s senior spotlight, we focus on the talented Gabe Henderson. Joining us in 6th grade, Gabe has been an amazing addition to our senior class 2024, providing a daily dose of wit. Although Gabe is known for his sarcasm, he is extremely sympathetic and understanding of those he is close with. I can recall many times I’ve texted Gabe asking for advice or sat with him and talked about things I couldn’t share with just anyone. Classmates Isaac Calhoun and Carson Cross say, “Gabe is always there for those close to him. He is dependable, open, honest, and gives us good advice when we need it.”
Art is one of Gabe’s favorite activities and what we, the senior class, know him best for. He says that he has always loved art from a young age, as it is a way for him to express his thoughts and feelings to the world without actually needing to say them. He found art as a way to cope with the pressures of daily life. His favorite thing to do is draw detailed images of ordinary, daily things while putting a scary twist on them, getting most of his ideas from horror movies, his favorite being The Thing. With his exceptional artistic ability, it is no surprise he is excelling in AP Art. “Gabe is a highly creative student whose unique and skillful artwork reflects his inquisitive thinking, a consistent strength of his,” art teacher Mrs. Hunter maintains.
As an artist, a student, and an athlete, Gabe is one of our high flyers at RMA, taking French IV, AP Environmental Science, AP Calculus, AP English, AP Psychology, and AP Art. Gabe says that these last three (English, art, and psychology) are his favorites because he feels especially engaged with and enjoys those subjects. Not only does he enjoy his classes, but he also excels in them. He has won several academic awards, including A Honor Roll in grades 9, 10, and 11 and Highest Academic Average in Honors English 11. Outside of the classroom, Gabe has been playing Varsity Tennis since 9th grade. He loves tennis as it is a way for him to stay physically fit and moving. As an independent person, Gabe likes tennis because he gets to play by himself and does not feel the pressure of others relying on him on the court.
Gabe plans to apply to many schools, but his top choice is to go to NC State to study art and eventually have a career in directing movies or making video games. He says that one of the biggest things he has learned from RMA is “how to manage time and be efficient,” which we know will greatly benefit him in his next steps in college, where is he most looking forward to the freedom of living away from home.
Get to know Gabe!
What will you miss about RMA?
The camaraderie of having a small class.
What is your favorite school event? (such as homecoming, prom, buddy events, field day, spirit week, etc.)
Any of the sporting events
What celebrity would you want to be for two days and why?
Anyone rich so I could give their money to myself
Describe your dream vacation OR if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I think it would be cool to go skiing somewhere really interesting like in Europe.
