One of our two Senior Spotlights this issue features a long-time RMA student who has been a friend of mine since I joined RMA the same year: Owen Lewis. Owen has been at RMA since the first grade and has an older brother (Isaac) who also graduated from Rocky Mount Academy, so his ties to the school run deep. I asked Owen to describe himself in a few words, and he chose athletic, hardworking, and kind–all qualities I’ve personally seen. 

Owen has shown his athleticism through playing both football and basketball in high school. On the offensive side of the football field, Owen played running back and wide receiver; while on defense, he played linebacker and defensive back. In RMA’s most recent championship-winning year (2023), Owen contributed from both sides of the ball, leading the team in interceptions with 4; on offense, he had the fifth most touchdowns and averaged 15 yards per carry at running back. These stats are pretty impressive considering he was just a sophomore at the time! In addition, Owen led in points per game (11) as a sophomore on the JV basketball team. The following year, he averaged 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. This upcoming season, Owen aspires to increase his points and rebounds per game, which will help his team achieve a winning record.

Not only has Owen been a crucial part of Rocky Mount Academy athletics, but he has also excelled academically due to his serious work ethic. As a senior, Owen is taking French IV Honors, AP Calculus, AP English, and AP Physics. This rigorous academic workload has been a pattern for Owen, as he also took AP Precalculus and AP Chemistry as a junior, in addition to numerous Honors courses. Last year, he received an award from the Sons of the American Revolution and won recognition for the Highest Academic Average in US History. At least partly due to this success, Owen said United States History with Mr. Feagans was his favorite course at RMA; he also got to be in this class with many of his friends.  

Generous with his time, Owen uses opportunities offered by RMA to help others. He is a participant in the Key Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Stronger Together. Owen especially likes Stronger Together because it gives him a chance to connect with RMA’s Exceptional Eagles. Owen often spends time with these special students during Flex and loves to participate in club events like their annual Thanksgiving dinner or pumpkin carving just before Halloween.

You should also know that when he is not at school, Owen is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying turkey hunting–a family tradition–and bass fishing. As someone who would much rather be outside than in, Owen does some work landscaping.

Owen is applying to East Carolina University and North Carolina State University for engineering, which is no surprise based on the advanced math classes he has taken in high school. His goal is to have his own contracting business where he can create buildings from the ground up. As he works towards his goals in life, we wish Owen nothing but the best!

Get to know Owen!

Favorite Song

“CB Radio” by Muscadine Bloodline

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

Hunting

Favorite Food?

Mario’s Baked Ziti

Favorite Place to visit?

The woods to go hunting

Best school event?

Senior Night

Dream Vacation? 

To go hunting around the world

What will you miss most about RMA?

Smaller atmosphere, teachers, my friends, and playing sports

One piece of advice for your younger self?

Enjoy high school because it goes by fast. 

If you could be any celebrity for a day, who would you be?

Riley Green

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

A boat, gasoline, and a fishing rod