This week’s Senior Spotlight is on one of my closest friends. Gabbi Ams joined the RMA family in Pre-K, making her  “a lifer,” and she has been a great addition to the class of 2024. Her funny sayings, contagious laughter, and bright smile never fail to lighten the mood, and I know she will leave a positive imprint on our school through her involvement in Key Club, Stronger Together, Senior Beta, and the Helping Hand Club (which assists local charities working to help the underserved). 

Despite the many hours she spends helping others, Gabbi always finds time to excel at her schoolwork, earning a spot on the Headmaster’s List throughout Upper School and serving as a junior graduation marshal. Instead of cruising toward her graduation, Gabbi challenged herself this year by taking AP Calculus, AP English, AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, and French 4. She also writes for The Eagle Examiner as part of the Media Office. 

On top of all of her extracurricular activities, Gabbi shines on both the field and court. Playing back row in volleyball, shooting guard in basketball, and third base and catcher in softball, she played a key role on each team from seventh grade through eleventh grade. For her senior year, she decided to forgo volleyball and basketball to focus on the sport she loves the most: softball. Gabbi started playing softball in third grade and has been successful on many travel teams and served as a leader on the school team. I’m sure she will continue to be a role model for the underclassmen in her final year as she enjoys her status as a senior.

In her free time, Gabbi enjoys her job at Chick-fil-A, reading, and church. This past summer, her church traveled to Panama where they went around to schools and acted out Bible stories for the children, speaking through translators. This was her favorite trip because, despite the Central American heat, she got to experience beautiful scenery, learn about the culture, meet amazing people, and spread her love for the Lord. 

Over the past few months, Gabbi has applied and been accepted to UNC-Chapel Hill, ECU Honors, UNC-Wilmington, Liberty University, and Virginia Tech. Wherever she ends up spending her college days, Gabbi hopes to become a pediatric or NICU nurse. In ten years, she hopes to be successful in her profession, well-traveled (Gabbi plans on traveling all around Europe and also visiting many tropical places like Aruba), and married with a family of her own. There is no doubt in my mind that Gabbi will be successful and live out all of her dreams!

Get to know Gabbi!

What is your favorite school event? (such as homecoming, prom, buddy events, field day, spirit week, etc.)

Spirit Week and Prom

Describe your perfect day at RMA. What would you do? What classes would you take?

Outside classes, AP Gov with Mr. Stone, Dr. K’s science, Dr. O’Brien’s English, and Ms. Helms’ Algebra II

What will you miss about RMA?

How one-on-one the teachers are with you.

What is one lesson you learned at RMA?

Don’t let people walk all over you and don’t procrastinate calculus and English homework on the same night.

What are you looking forward to in college?

The freedom, meeting new friends, branching out, becoming more independent.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to an incoming freshman or your younger self about high school?

Stay on top of your schoolwork, but still have fun.