This week’s Senior Spotlight is focused on a quick-witted member of the RMA senior class who never fails to make any class more interesting, even sparking funny banter with teachers on ordinary class days. It would be hard for you to walk the Upper School halls and find someone who doesn’t know him or have a hilarious story to tell about him. He describes himself as optimistic, loyal, and honest, traits that anyone who knows him can agree upon. He’s genuine, kind, and “quite good-looking,” as he claims. Since joining us in 6th grade, he has built strong connections with his RMA classmates, making memories that last a lifetime. This week’s Senior Spotlight is on Carson Cross, a crucial addition to the Class of 2024.

Carson has maintained an academically rigorous schedule during his time at RMA. This year, he is taking French 4 Honors, Honors Calculus, AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, and AP Psychology; wanting to exercise both his mind and his body, he is also taking Weightlifting. He has received many academic awards over the years and always puts extra effort into his classes. Complementing academics, Carson is a member of the Key Club, contributing to his campus community through raffles, bake sales, and other fundraisers. During his time at RMA, he has been on both the baseball and swim teams. He even earned the Coach’s Award for swim, his personal favorite award. Carson is a big part of the varsity baseball team, primarily playing first base. His dream vacation is to tour all 30 MLB parks in one year, his favorite team being the Detroit Tigers. 

In his free time, Carson is involved in sports, playing music, and hanging out with friends. He also shows his creativity while playing classical Mexican guitar (and doing it well!). Spending time with those he cares about is also a big part of who Carson is. It’s unusual for him to spend a weekend away from friends or family, which is why it isn’t surprising that his older brother, Cameron, is his role model. 

This year, Carson is applying to NC State, UNC Charlotte, and UNC-Wilmington with plans to study computer science. His target school is UNC-Charlotte (where his brother goes to college), and he is most excited about the independence that college life brings. In 10 years, Carson sees himself living a happy life; given his easy going personality, we’re sure he will be successful and happy wherever he goes!

Get to know Carson!

What is your go-to song/movie?

Movie: Shawshank Redemption

Song: “Evil” by Stevie Wonder

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

Stromboli, water, and a guitar.

What is a surprising talent of yours?

I can recite every element on the periodic table off the top of my head as well as the first 100 digits of pi.

If you could be any teacher for a day, who would it be and why?

Erin O’Brien. I would love to know what it is like to speak French and also boss everyone around.

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

Don’t stress yourself out over little things, and don’t make Mr. Stone mad.

What is your funniest story about RMA?

Hiding fruit in Ms. Baker’s class freshman year.