One of this issue’s Senior Spotlights features Avery Davis, who has been with the school since 7th grade. Avery consistently demonstrates what it means to strive for excellence both inside and outside the classroom, and her balance of academics and athletics makes her a standout student in the Class of 2026.

Avery has made steady academic advances throughout her years in high school. She has always done well, earning awards for Honors Modern European History as well as Honorable Mention in English 10 Advanced as a sophomore, but she has taken on more Honors and even Advanced Placement courses as a junior and senior. After successfully completing AP Biology last year (and earning an end-of-year award for Academic Excellence), Avery with her enrolled in two AP classes as a senior: Environmental Science and Psychology. Rounding out her schedule this year are some other tough courses, including Spanish 4, Honors Calculus, and Honors English 12. These difficult classes, previously noted achievements, and her participation in the Senior Beta Club (which has specific academic requirements) highlight Avery’s commitment to doing her best.

Beyond her academic accomplishments, Avery actively participates in school athletics. In grades 9 and 10, Avery played soccer on the JV team but considers tennis her main sport. She first played with the JV girls in 9th and 10th grades and then the varsity girls tennis team in 11th and 12th. Throughout her experience as a tennis player, she has always given it her all and encouraged others with her great attitude. Teammate Katie Kos respects how Avery can simply “light up the courts”

When she is not on the court or in the classroom, Avery makes a positive impact on others through her many extracurricular activities at school and in the community. Here at RMA, she is part of the Key Club, Stronger Together, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Through these clubs, Avery commits her time and effort to give back to RMA and the Rocky Mount community, showing her compassionate nature. Probably the best example of her care for others is her time helping out with the Exceptional Children’s Program not only through clubs but also as an intern (so she spends a full class period each day with these special students). In this capacity, Avery has already attended the Special Olympics, where the kids get to participate in fun athletic events, and is currently helping prepare for this year’s EC play: A Charlie Brown Christmas – Eagle Style. Outside of school, Avery often attends events hosted by the Debuettes Club, where she works alongside her peers while gaining volunteer experience. Avery is always willing to help, whether it be through school-sponsored clubs or events outside of the school.

Avery has already applied to East Carolina University, the University of Alabama, Ole Miss, and North Carolina State University, and is excited for the new changes that college life will bring, such as the chance to rush a sorority and schedule her classes according to her own time. Whichever school she attends, Avery wishes to major in nursing and be a travel nurse. As Upper School math teacher Ms. Deborah Keel explains, “Avery is one of those students who leaves a mark on your heart. She’s tough on the outside, soft on the inside, and guaranteed to make you laugh.” Although these traits will mean we’ll definitely miss her, they will also make her a great part of others’ futures.

Get to know Avery better!

What is your favorite movie? 

• The Notebook

What is your favorite food?

• Raising Canes

What is your dream vacation?

• Traveling the world and lounging on a luxurious yacht headed to Greece 

What was your favorite thing about RMA?

• Senior Night and long lunch off-campus with my friends

Who is your role model?

• My Irish twin sister, Darby, because of her ambition to be the best version of herself [An Irish twin is a sibling who’s less than a year older or younger than you.]

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

• Ms. Whitehead (who leads the Exceptional Children’s Program) because everyone loves her