One of this week’s Senior Spotlights highlights another important member of the Class of 2026, Liam Long, who has been part of the RMA community since fifth grade. His peers describe him as a hard worker, both in and outside of school. At the same time, those who know him well see him as a very laid-back and approachable person. These qualities–his strong commitment to school and his easygoing personality–have earned him respect from both his classmates and teachers. 

Liam is a very math- and science-focused individual whose interests are reflected in this year’s schedule, which includes AP Biology, Marine Biology Honors, and Calculus Honors, along with other challenging courses like English 12 Honors. H Liam has taken both Honors Pre-Calculus and Honors Calculus with Ms. Keel, further demonstrating his commitment to challenging himself academically. His passion for science is just as strong as his zeal for math–probably more so. Last year, Liam took AP Environmental Science with Dr. Wells and passed the College Board’s exam with flying colors. Liam says his love for science comes naturally to him, and he has a strong understanding of the material that helps him succeed in his advanced coursework. 

Liam’s love for science is shown through his role as the head of RMA’s Conservation Club. The main goal of the club is to restore and maintain trails around the RMA campus so they can be safely used by students and staff as they learn about the flora and fauna, or just take a little break to enjoy nature. Under the guidance of Mrs. Lehnes, club members regularly go out onto the trails to clean, repair, and care for the natural environment. Through this work, students not only help improve the campus but also gain a better understanding of nature and the importance of protecting it. Liam’s leadership helps motivate other students to take pride in their school and its campus. 

Over his high school years, Liam has played baseball and football, making him part of two championship teams. Liam played baseball in his freshman and sophomore years, making him part of the team that finished state runner-up in the 2023-2024 season. After taking his junior year off, he is returning to the diamond as a senior since it will be his last chance to play with his friends and former teammates. Although RMA didn’t have a varsity football team in 2025, Liam played linebacker, defensive tackle, and offensive guard in his freshman and sophomore years, so he was on the team that won the state championship in the 2023-2024 season by defeating Wayne Christian 38-32. Whether it’s baseball or football, Liam has improved the culture of every team he has been on by bringing a competitive spirit that challenges those around him and pushes them to be better. 

In addition to inspiring his peers through his leadership in clubs and sports, Liam has earned the respect of his classmates through his command of the Spanish language. Before his time at RMA, Liam attended Martin

Millennium Academy, where he was a part of the Spanish Immersion program. With this background, he was able to take both Spanish 3 and Spanish 4 in his 9th-grade year of high school, which is a feat not many RMA students can say they have accomplished. Anytime Ms. Knox asks about Latin root words in English 12, classmates turn to Liam since, nine times out of ten, he can figure out the connection thanks to his experience with Spanish.

Liam will attend ECU in the Fall of 2026, sharing a room with fellow RMA student Kaiden Pulley. Liam plans to major in construction engineering or construction management, which he has some experience with thanks to his uncle’s business, Long’s Home Repair, where he works part-time. That background came in useful last year when Liam was put in charge of the construction of one of the best props we’ve ever created for prom: the pediment of a Grecian temple that sat above the stage. Ms. Knox fully trusted his abilities to produce such an important statement piece that will surely challenge future junior classes to go big!

Although Liam will be missed because of all the ways he touched student life at RMA, we wish Liam the best as he heads off to Greenville in the fall.

Get to know Liam!

What is your favorite food?

Steak or Mexican

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

A knife, a fishing rod, and a Life Straw

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

Hunting 

What is your favorite movie or go-to song?

The Dukes of Hazard

Who is your role model, and why?

My dad because he has worked his entire life to get to where he is, and puts his family first

What are you looking forward to in college? 

Freedom and learning through internships