We are doubling up on senior spotlights this week, so our second one is for no other than Gabe Petteway. There is never a dull moment with this guy, which I learned pretty quickly while spending last Monday with other RMA journalists when we took a trip to East Carolina University to attend a student journalism conference. Gabe is constantly making jokes and adding witty side comments, showing he is both intelligent and fun!
Gabe has been at RMA since second grade with a quick intermission during 8th grade for online school during Covid. He has made a name for himself academically, receiving awards such as A Honor Roll in Grade Nine, A Honor Roll in Grade Ten, Highest Academic Average in Honors English 11, the Kaye Ellen Excellence in Writing Award (in 11th grade), and A Honor Roll recognition in Grade 11. He also served as a senior academic marshal at last year’s Baccalaureate and graduation ceremonies.
This year, Gabe is taking AP Psychology, AP English 12, AP Statistics, AP Biology, and AP Ceramics. Ceramics is his favorite because “it is where I feel most calm.” Further testifying to Gabe’s creative side, outside of school, he likes to play musical instruments such as the bass guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and the kalimba. He also takes care of his plants (like his coffee and lavender plants), works out at Planet Fitness, and makes tea.
Gabe is not sure yet what he wants to major in at college or what job he wants to pursue, but he has applied to UNC-Chapel Hill, Appalachian State, Wake Forest, NC State, the Berklee College of Music (where former RMA music teacher Shawn Leonard went to school), and NYU. All are great options, but NYU is his first choice. Wherever he ends up, Gabe will surely excel just like he has here!
Get to know Gabe in his own words:
- What is your favorite movie or go-to song? Howl’s “Moving Castle”
- If you were trapped on a deserted island, what three things would you bring? a plane, fuel for the plane, and a pilot for the plane
- What celebrity would you want to be for two days and why? John Mayer because then I could release music because he hasn’t released good music since 2021. That really makes me upset, so if I was him I could change that by releasing music that he has already made because I know he has songs that are ready to go but he just hasn’t released them yet.
- If you could be any teacher for the day, who would it be and why? Dr. O’Brien because I think she’s really wise and I could have all that wisdom and a PhD for a day– and that would be cool!
- What is one piece of advice you’d give to an incoming freshman or to your younger self about high school? AP Chem is HARD!!!
- What is your favorite school event? (such as homecoming, prom, buddy events, field day, spirit week, etc.) Senior Night
- Describe your perfect day at RMA. What would you do? What classes would you take? All-day ceramics with Mrs. Hunter
- Where is your favorite place and why? Larema Coffee–it has good vibes
- Describe your dream vacation OR if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? New Zealand or France
- What are you looking forward to in college? More people to connect with
