One of this week’s Senior Spotlights is on Elizabeth Paszek. Though she has been at Rocky Mount Academy since first grade, I’ve known her since attending Pre-K with her at First Methodist Church, so I can say that she has always been the friendly and fun person we know here at RMA.

Elizabeth has always been determined to be the best student she can, so she has challenged herself throughout Upper School by enrolling in numerous AP and Honors courses–excelling in everything she does. She has earned awards for Academic Excellence in Honors French II and III, Honors Chemistry, AP World History, and English 10 Honors. This list does not mean, however, that she thrives in only a few select courses. Elizabeth received the Headmaster’s Award (recognizing students earning A’s in all classes for the entire year!) in 9th and 10th grades, was appointed Co-Chief Marshal as a junior, and was recently named an AP Scholar with Distinction, which means that she has received an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. She was also awarded the Turner W. Battle Scholarship in the 11th grade for her leadership, scholarship, school spirit, and college potential.

This year, Elizabeth is continuing to pursue excellence by taking French IV (only I and II are required), AP Calculus AB, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Environmental Science, and AP Psychology. Despite this busy schedule, however, she still finds time to work as an Exceptional Children’s Program intern and further her creative skills by taking AP Studio Art (Drawing). Her love for and skill in art are well known around Rocky Mount Academy, as she painted the centerpiece adorning the ceiling piece for the 2025 Prom alongside seniors Sadie Meadows and me. She also contributed to the Memory Project in her sophomore year, drawing a portrait of a child from another country who had never seen a portrait of himself. As for now, she is working on completing her required 15 pieces for AP Art, focusing on different perspectives of national monuments that are significant to her. 

Aside from her focus on academics and art, Elizabeth finds time for many extracurricular activities. She played JV basketball in 9th and 10th grades, varsity basketball in 11th and 12th grades, and varsity tennis all four years of Upper School. Although she considers tennis her main sport, Elizabeth was part of the girls varsity basketball championship last season and received her championship rings just last week. 

Despite the demands of academics and athletics, Elizabeth manages to participate in numerous clubs on campus, including Key Club, Global Studies, and Stronger Together. Showing her leadership skills, she is the President of the Sr. Beta Club and a senior Homeroom Representative for SGA. For three years now, Elizabeth has run Tennis for Tyler, a fundraiser for the upkeep of Tyler’s Peak, which honors former student Tyler Strandberg. In this capacity, she plans events, designs and orders t-shirts, creates brackets, and handles the sign-up forms and money collected for this great cause.

Outside of school, Elizabeth is a part of the Deubettes (a service-based organization) and attends weekly youth group and church activities with Lakeside Baptist Church or First Presbyterian Church. Almost every summer, she has attended the Montreat Youth Conference with First Presbyterian Church in the mountains of North Carolina. I have been lucky enough to make everlasting memories with her every summer here! This past summer, she was a junior volunteer at the hospital since she wanted to see if she wanted to pursue a career in medicine like her father. The answer to that question is no, but that doesn’t mean that Elizabeth is unsure of her future plans.

Elizabeth has applied to UNC, UVA, UGA, ECU, Auburn, Clemson, and the University of South Carolina. She is currently working on her application for Wofford and Vanderbilt, which is due at the end of the month. She has already heard back from ECU and is now beginning her ECU Honors application, but is leaning toward attending UNC to major in business. Elizabeth’s intelligence, ability to juggle responsibilities, and outgoing and independent personality will surely lead her to thrive next fall and beyond.

Get to know Elizabeth!

What is your favorite movie or go-to song?

The Star Wars movies and the song “Only Wanna Be With You” by Hootie and the Blowfish

If you became an influencer, what would your account be about?

Lifestyle

What is your favorite food?

El Tapatio

Where is your favorite place to visit or spend time–and why?

Atlantic Beach because I love being on the beach and boat with friends

Who is your role model, and why?

My parents because they are very supportive in everything that I do and wish to do in the future.

Describe your dream vacation

My dream vacation would be a tour of Europe.

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

My hairbrush, my sister Maggie (10th grade), and my phone

If you could be any teacher for the day, who would it be and why?

Mrs. Hunter, because she teaches all of the fun art classes!

What is your favorite school event?

Attending prom

Describe your perfect day at RMA. What would you do? 

A two-hour delay so I could sleep in, an extra-long lunch so I could hang out with my friends, and art classes all day

What is your favorite memory from RMA? 

Senior night because we all got to bond as a class

What will you miss about RMA?

My friends and teachers

What is one piece of advice you’d give to an incoming freshman or to your younger self about high school?

Don’t procrastinate!

What are you looking forward to in college?

I am looking forward to joining a sorority and making new friends and connections while experiencing a new place in college.