One of this week’s three Senior Spotlights shines on a friendly face and dedicated student: Sadie Meadows. Sadie is the kind of student who leaves a lasting impression. If two words could define her, they would be creative and determined. Sadie’s ability to think outside the box and always give her best effort is what makes her so special. Luckily, she has been part of Rocky Mount Academy’s family for quite some time now, as she came to the school in fourth grade. In addition, her mother, Mrs. Lisa Meadows works at the school as a Middle School English teacher, so Sadie’s ties to the school run deep.

A talented student, Sadie takes one of the most rigorous course loads offered at RMA. Over her high school career, she has consistently succeeded in numerous AP and Honors classes, as she has been recognized with many accolades: Academic Excellence in French I, High Honors in her freshman, sophomore, and junior years, and AP Scholar with Distinction (awarded to students who earn a score of 3 or higher on 5 or more AP Exams). Continuing to challenge herself even as a senior, Sadie is currently taking Honors French IV, AP Calculus, AP English 12, AP Psychology, and AP Biology. One of her most admirable qualities, being her determination, shines through her academic successes.

Sadie is just as creative as she is book smart and excels as an artist, having been fascinated by art from a young age, so she appreciates the art classes she has been able to take here. “I grew up loving art,” Sadie explains, and was able to further my skills with Mrs. Hunter,” referring to RMA’s Upper School art teacher. She has indeed refined her skills and has received much recognition for it. Sadie won an award for Excellence in Drawing (Art II and III) in her sophomore year and was one of three recipients of the Junior Service Award in Art for her work on Prom: a medallion mounted on the ceiling that depicts Greek gods on Mount Olympus. Between her sophomore and junior years, she created art for her application to the NC Governor’s School of Art, so most of her recent pieces have been for school, but she is currently doing some painting just for fun. Bringing her love of art outside the classroom–and just outside!–Sadie was the driving force behind making the idea of painted senior parking spots a reality.

Always involved in school life, Sadie takes part in many extracurriculars and often takes on leadership roles. Sadie played on the JV volleyball team in her freshman and sophomore years, and with it being her last year at RMA, she is planning to give varsity soccer a try as she closes out her high school career. Off the field and court, Sadie is a member of Key Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Senior Beta Club, the Global Studies Honors Program, and the National Honor Society. Previously, Sadie served on the Student Government Association (SGA) as a secretary her junior year, and this year, she is a representative for the senior class. Finally, she contributes to RMA’s Exceptional Children Program through the Stronger Together Club and her role as an intern for the Exceptional Children’s Program. Outside of school, Sadie is just as engaged, participating in activities that benefit the community, such as helping build homes with Gatekeepers Work Camp and volunteering at UNC-Nash Hospital in the summers.

Sadie plans to apply this fall to Clemson, UNC-Wilmington, NC State, Auburn, Duke, and the Universities of Virginia, Georgia, and Florida, with a dream of becoming a doctor (specifically a neurologist). She wishes to major in Health Sciences and imagines herself being in a residency program for neuroscience. In ten years. Sadie seems quite certain of her future, clearly following Upper School history teacher Mr. Stone’s advice: “Don’t second-guess yourself.” With that mindset, we have no doubt that Sadie will go far!

Get to know Sadie better!

What’s your favorite movie?

Sixteen Candles

What is your current go-to song?

“Wondering Why” by the Red Clay Strays

What is your favorite food?

Spicy chicken sandwich Cookout tray with double regular fries and a Diet Coke

What would you want to have on a deserted island?

A boat, gasoline, and a map

What is your favorite school event?

Homecoming

What will you miss about RMA?

Teachers and friends

Who is your role model?

My mother, who is able to solve any problem with her logic