Senior Spotlight: Ellen Feagans

Landry Miller (Class of 2026), Sports and Entertainment Writer

May 1, 2026

For my final article for The Eagle Examiner, I have the honor of writing a Senior Spotlight for my friend since Kindergarten, Ellen Feagans. Ellen has attended RMA since pre-K, making her a “lifer”–the only one in this year’s graduating class! Ellen has truly made her mark on Rocky Mount Academy with her determination, honesty, and kind and responsible nature. By participating in multiple clubs and being a three-sport athlete, all while maintaining impressive grades, Ellen has had a very accomplished career at RMA.

Ellen as a Junior Marshall at the Baccalaureate Service with other Marshals, Cassidy (left) and Radha (middle).

Ellen shines in the classroom, taking hard classes all while making it look easy. This year, Ellen is taking AP Calculus, AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, and AP Psychology, while also studying French IV. Ellen’s hard work and determination have earned her awards such as Academic Excellence in Honors Biology I, French III, and AP Precalculus, as well as Highest Academic Average in AP Government and Politics. Unsurprisingly, she earned a spot on the A Honor Roll in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades, is a member of the National Honor Society, was a Junior

Marshal in last year’s Baccalaureate and graduation services, and has been designated an AP Scholar with Honor.

To balance out her rigorous schedule this year, Ellen uses ceramics as an opportunity to step away from strict academics and focus on creativity. This year, she has made some incredible pieces, such as a beautiful nativity scene and vase with a pink bow on it.

Ellen is also a huge contributor to RMA athletics, playing volleyball, basketball, and softball, and I am lucky enough to get to play all three with her! In the fall, it’s volleyball. Ellen played on the JV volleyball team in ninth grade, earning All-Tournament Honors and the Coach’s Award, and even supported the other basketball teams as a cheerleader that year! She also played for the varsity team in 10th-12th grades. Ellen hit the basketball court, playing JV in 9th and 10th grades and earning All-Tournament Honors in 9th and MVP in 10th. She continued playing basketball in 11th and 12th grades on the varsity team and was a member of the 2025 undefeated state championship team. Right now, Ellen is involved in her spring sport: softball. She has been a middle-infielder on the varsity softball team all four years of high school, earning the Coach’s Award in 9th grade and All-Conference Honors in 10th and 11th grade.

Ellen and her fellow classmates, Britt, Ann Cleveland, and Elizabeth at a church retreat.

When Ellen is not at practice, playing in a game, or studying for one of her challenging AP classes, she takes part in multiple clubs and extracurriculars both on and off campus. She is a member of RMA’s Key Club, Beta Club, Stronger Together, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, in addition to the Global Studies Honors program. Ellen is also a Youth Deacon at First Presbyterian Church and is in Debuettes. In the summer, she works as a lifeguard and a kids’ camp counselor at Benvenue Country Club.

Next year, Ellen will be attending North Carolina State University, where she plans to study economics. After being Ellen’s friend for the past 13 years, I can say with confidence that the determination and kindness she’s shown during her time at RMA will carry her successfully through college and the rest of her life.

Get to Know More About Ellen!

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