The subject of this Senior Spotlight is a long-time member of the Rocky Mount Academy family: Riley Proctor. Riley started at RMA in Kindergarten and has multiple connections to the school, as both his brothers, Dylan and Skyler Proctor, are RMA alumni, and his mother currently teaches Pre-K. Riley is one of the students that pretty much everyone on campus knows (even in Lower School) and likes since he has such a kind personality and is always ready to lend a helping hand, whether it’s by holding the door or being the first to volunteer to help teachers carry something.
Riley would say he’s a science and math guy, and I’m here to tell you he’s also a people person. Both interests are reflected in Riley’s activities and schedule this year: Marine Biology, Algebra III/Trigonometry, Sports Medicine, Criminal Justice, EC Help (assisting the Exceptional Children’s Program), and English 12. Outside of the classroom, he is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which lets him bond with classmates over their shared faith, and the Conservation Club, the second of which maintains the nature trails, puts corn in the deer feeders, and is currently working on bat boxes. Through his work in this club, Riley takes care of nature while making our campus better for everyone to enjoy.
Taking his interest in science off-campus, Riley has participated in 4-H for 13 years, showing goats, lambs, pigs, and cattle. He is also a member of the Twin Counties Cattleman Association, where cattle farmers from Edgecombe and Nash Counties can come together to discuss what’s going on in the cattle industry. With the little free time Riley has left, he works at Moore’s Hog Farm and Irrigation Co, as well as M&H Edwards Farms; he also helps sell produce at the Nash County Farmer’s Market.
As someone who cares deeply about others, Riley serves his community in many ways, most notably (and passionately!) through his work with the Red Oak Fire Department. Riley has taken fire certification classes and began working as a junior volunteer firefighter when he was just 14 years old. When he turned 18, he became a senior volunteer firefighter. He plans to continue firefighting and become a full-time firefighter after graduating college.
Riley clearly doesn’t mind being active–it takes a lot to haul fire hoses and livestock around!–and he puts some of this effort toward RMA sports, contributing to both the football and baseball teams. He played JV football in 9th grade and varsity in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades. This means he was a member of the state championship-winning team in 2023. Even though he hasn’t played baseball since his middle school days, he decided to come back and play for his last year at RMA to have a good time and be with his friends.
Next fall, Riley will attend NC State, where he will major in Livestock and Poultry Management. After finishing this two-year program, he plans to become a full-time firefighter and also run a hog farm, allowing him to do both jobs he’s so passionate about.
Get-to-know Riley!
What is your favorite song?
- “‘Til You Can’t” by Cody Johnson
Where is your favorite place to visit and why?
- The Flint Hills of Kansas because of the beautiful prairie land and pastures
If you could be any teacher for the day, who would it be and why?
- Coach Ramsey so I could take care of the fields and cut the grass.
What is your favorite school event?
- My favorite school event was Senior Night.
What is your favorite food?
- Beef… it’s what’s for dinner!
