One of this issue’s two Senior Spotlights is focused on Valeria Rodriguez, who joined the RMA family in her freshman year after attending Our Lady of Perpetual Help through eighth grade. Described by junior Katie Kos as ambitious and a great friend, Valeria is “a wonderful asset to our Upper School,” says Head of Upper School Timmy Tucker. 

Valeria consistently puts forth her best effort in all she does. She is clearly driven, as she is taking all the high-level courses she can this year, including Honors Pre-Calculus, AP English 12, AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, and AP Statistics. Already bilingual (she speaks Spanish fluently), Valeria opted to take three years of French (only two years of a world language are required), even winning an award for excellence in French III Honors as a junior. As you can see, she is always willing to work hard and do more than the minimum!

Though a rigorous school, Rocky Mount Academy isn’t only about academics. We also believe in getting involved on campus through extracurriculars. Making the most of her time here, Valeria joined the Key Club in 9th grade and Senior Beta Club in her junior year; both are community service-oriented organizations. She also has been part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes since her freshman year, which leads us to another way she shows her school spirit: sports!  She played softball in her freshman year and both basketball and tennis in her junior year. Although tennis is her favorite sport, Valeria has been most successful in basketball: she helped RMA’s 2024-2025 women’s basketball team become state champions, a wonderful win for RMA! This year, Valeria is planning to play all three sports. Despite having so much to do on campus, she still finds time to work at her family’s restaurant (El Mariachi), so time management is definitely one of her strengths.

Valeria is applying to Meredith College, NC State, and ECU, and plans to become a veterinarian. Since she’s always gotten along so well with animals, she volunteered at Riverside Veterinary Hospital in August to see if she wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She says the experience confirmed it’s what she wants to do and made her excited for her future as a vet. Inspired by her four cats–all of whom are rescues–Valeria wants to help as many animals as she can, and vet school will put her in a great position to do just that. We at RMA know that Valeria will succeed and have a bright future as Valeria Rodriguez, DVM.

Get to know Valeria!

What is your favorite song?

My favorite song is “Dreams” by The Cranberries.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is Mexican food.

What is your favorite place to visit?

I love to visit NYC, where there is always something new to see.

What is your favorite dream vacation?

My dream vacation is to travel all of Europe.

What is a piece of advice you’d give to an incoming freshman or your younger self?

Do not let others tell you what you can do because you can do it if you put your mind to it.

What will you miss about RMA?

I will miss the people the most.

Who is your role model, and why?

My parents, I admire how hard-working and focused they are on their goals.