For the first issue of this school year, we are spotlighting three seniors behind The Eagle Examiner, one of whom is Deacon Stinson. Deacon came to Rocky Mount Academy in the sixth grade and has since influenced the class with his outgoing personality. He can be described as kind, spontaneous, and caring, which is evident in his ability to make friends easily, engage in conversation with anyone, and fearlessly try new things. This friendly and adventurous personality probably comes from all the moves his family has made: from Ohio to Arkansas to Florida to here!

He challenges himself in the classroom, which is shown in his tough schedule, which includes AP Psychology, AP Biology, Honors Calculus, and Honors English 12. The last of these–English–is his favorite subject, with Deacon stating that “it has always come naturally to [him].” His efforts in English earned him the Highest Academic Average award in both Advanced English 10 and 11, so–not one to shy away from a challenge–he decided to take on Honors this year. 

Not only does Deacon contribute to RMA through academics, but also through athletics. He has played multiple sports for the Eagles. In his freshman and sophomore years, he ran cross country, played on the JV basketball team as a forward, and was a pitcher and first baseman for the JV baseball team. In his junior year, he moved to varsity basketball and baseball, playing the same positions but adding right fielder to his resume. Out of the various sports Deacon has played, his favorite is baseball; he even played travel baseball from the age of 11 to 16. This love for baseball comes from his father, who encouraged him to play and coached him as he was growing up. 

Outside of the classroom, Deacon is part of the Key Club and engages in organizations and activities that are faith-based. At school, he is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and over summer breaks, he volunteers with his church. Through Gatekeepers Work Camp (an inter-faith service organization that several Rocky Mount churches work with), he helped restore homes in downtown Rocky Mount in July 2024. He has also staffed his church’s Vacation Bible School–an activity he enjoys because he loves to help the younger kids study the Bible and learn about God–and often helps during church services by serving as an acolyte (someone who lights the candles at the front of the church or on the altar). 

In just a few short weeks, Deacon will be applying to the University of Arkansas, the University of South Carolina, NC State, and UNC-Wilmington. Whichever school he ends up attending, he plans to rush a fraternity and major in Business Management. I am sure that with Deacon’s outgoing and friendly personality, he will be successful in whatever he plans to do! 

Get to know Deacon better! 

What’s your favorite movie?

The Hangover 

What’s your favorite food?

Mexican

What’s your dream vacation?

Backpacking across Europe

Who is your role model and why?

My parents because of the strength they have to support our family

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

Do you work on time and study!