One of this week’s new Senior Spotlights is focused on Lina Abukaff! Joining RMA in her seventh-grade year, she brings to the table her caring and hard-working attitude. Classmates describe her as helpful; whether explaining a problem in Statistics or just simply letting someone use her charger, Lina is sure to step up if someone is in need, so it’s no surprise that she received the coveted citizenship award in 9th grade. 

Lina is a bright student who thrives at RMA. She is academically driven, taking all of RMA’s toughest classes: AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP English 12, AP Physics, AP Psychology, and AP Statistics. She is always challenging herself, so much so that she has been recognized for Academic Excellence in Honors English 9 and 11, French I and Honors French II and III, and Honors Biology I; she also received awards for Highest Achievement in AP World History and Excellence in Public Speaking. 

Not only does she take pride in her school work, but also in her leadership positions at school. She is the Publicity Chair for both Key Club and Willing Hearts (so it’s her job to make announcements over the intercom, post flyers, and send reminders to club members), part of the National Honor Society, and a homeroom representative for the Student Government Association. All of these achievements are the result of hard work inspired by seeing her parents’ unyielding determination to succeed.

Although she’s academically driven, Lina also finds time to enjoy several hobbies and extracurriculars. Lina plays sports, both for school and for fun, such as basketball, volleyball, and JV and varsity soccer. She also loves spending time outside of school drawing, watching thriller movies with friends, practicing languages including Spanish, Arabic, and French, reading romance books, swimming, walking her dog, and spending quality time with her family, which includes her sister, Menar, who is in 6th grade. 

Lina plans to study engineering, but she is still deciding on her specialization. She enjoys solving problems that have real-world applications, so she feels as though this would be her best path. To prepare her for this career, Lina is applying to several top colleges: ECU Honors, Meredith, NC State, UNC at Chapel Hill, and Duke. We’re confident that Lina will not only succeed but also exceed expectations in the future just as she has here.

What is your favorite food?

Smoked salmon

Describe your dream vacation!

My dream vacation would be to explore the world, like visiting Cenotes in Mexico, Mecca, and Greece.

What is your favorite movie?

The Book Of Life

What is your favorite song?

“Anglo Contigo” by Rita Payes

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

I would do daily rants and life-dumps.

What is your favorite school event?

Spirit week!

What will you miss about RMA?

I am going to miss the days I could relax or talk freely with my friends and teachers.