This week’s Senior Spotlight showcases one of RMA’s finest students both in and out of the classroom, Colby Kirkpatrick. Having recently received the prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Colby displays some of the most admired and respected qualities that our school endorses. His high academic excellence, leadership skills, and dedicated volunteer work make him a standout student in the class of 2015.

Colby is currently enrolled in all AP courses, president of Student Government Association, vice-chair of Honor Council, and the vice-president of National Honor Society. In addition, Colby spends much of his time helping with the lower grades at RMA in a variety of ways. Since 10^th grade, he has served as the coach of the Middle School Mathcounts team, a job that requires him to plan and run weekly practices in preparation for the regional competition. Also, once a week, he volunteers his study hall to teach French to the RMA Pre-K class and is the chairman of the STARS tutoring program, for which he tutors weekly. One of his most notable achievements has been his institution of the new RMA Media Office. After planning the entire class’ concept and curriculum with the assistance of Ms. Covolo this past summer, the Media Office along with the Eagle Examiner has been nothing but a success. Aside from his busy academic schedule, Colby is a two-sport athlete, excelling in varsity soccer and tennis. Since 9^th grade, Colby has received multiple Coaches and MVP Awards, along with All-Conference recognition.

From the Moondance Cataract Canyon trip in 9^th grade, to the Grand Western Tour in 10^th, a service project in Fiji in 11^th grade, and an eye-opening experience in Laos this past summer, Colby has participated in a wide range of summer experiences. In 11^th grade, he also worked in the North Carolina Governor’s Page program and partook in a week-long internship at Archer Investment, learning about entrepreneurship and office management. Continuing his love for tennis outside of school, he has worked at Belmont Farms Racquet and Fitness Center and volunteered at several charity tennis tournaments, such as Serve for the Cure, Hit to Help, and Serve Rocky Mount.

To learn more about Colby, read the interview below:

1. What did you do last summer?

Last summer, I travelled to Thailand and Laos on a month-long backpacking service trip with Rustic Pathways. I stayed in three different villages throughout the month, living with a different host family in each one.

2. What are your plans this summer?

In June (two days after graduation, in fact) the Morehead-Cain is sending me on a month-long backpacking trip through the Absaroka Mountains in Wyoming. This trip will include a solo portion where I will be on my own for a few days on the trail.

3. What is your favorite show on Netflix?

Orange is the New Black is hilarious (I skip through some of the more graphic scenes).

4. Soda or sweet tea?

I would say soda, but I’m trying to quit drinking five a day by switching to diet green tea. So far, it is not going well.

5. Making a salad or buying a salad?

I would say making a salad, but I didn’t realize you had to dry the lettuce after you wash it.

6. Jersey Mikes or Subway

Definitely Jersey Mikes. They know my order by heart.

7. O’Brien or Mrs. Baker-Smith?

(After minutes of trying to be politically correct)… neither.

8. Middle school Catherine or middle school Anna Claire?

Catherine, because Anna texted me way too much. I also enjoyed writing on Catherine’s Facebook wall.

9. What Media Office member is your favorite?

Claire when she is not busting out my eardrums, but when she is, Landin.