One of our many senior spotlights this week is on James Thomas. James came here in the ninth grade from Greenfield Academy in Wilson, and we’re so glad he did! In his own words, he is outgoing, adventurous, and eager to meet new people, which allowed him to become an important part of the RMA family in no time. 

As a new student in ninth grade, he hit the ground running, earning “Hardest Worker in English 9.” During his senior year, James is taking English 12 with Dr. O’Brien, Marine Biology with Dr. Wells, and Algebra 3/Trigonometry with Ms. Smith. For his electives, James has Ceramics, Weightlifting, and Sports Management.

As you can tell from his elective courses, James loves athletics, so it’s no surprise he has played sports every year he has attended RMA, whether it’s basketball, soccer, or golf. James excels the most in golf, as it is the sport he has the most interest in and the one he looks forward to playing the most.

As a people person, when he is not in school, James likes to spend time with friends and family doing activities like camping, playing card games, and playing sports. James also helps at a nonprofit called Chew, which strives to end childhood hunger. Since the 2013-2014 school year, Chew offered meals consisting of breakfast cereals, lunch items, protein bars, oatmeal, fruit cups, and snacks, as well as milk, and juices to kids in the Wilson area attending public schools such as the Sallie B. Howard School for the Arts, Wilson Preparatory Academy, and the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf. Over the past 13 years, Chew has distributed 98,100 meals, so James is part of a truly impressive effort to improve the lives of his neighbors!

James plans to attend North Carolina State University–either right after he graduates or after completing a two-year program locally–for a degree in Agricultural Business Management but is open to changing his career path. He is also interested in law and real estate, both of which would allow him to work closely with others. 

Get to know James!

What is your go-to song?

Any sort of rap music 

What Celebrity would you be for a day?

Nikki Sixx  

Who is your role model?

My dad

What is your dream vacation? 

The Maldives 

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

Water, my phone, and a bed 

If you could give one piece of advice to incoming freshmen what would it be? 

Don’t make Mr. Tucker mad!