Elizabeth Gay is this week’s Senior Spotlight. Elizabeth has not only left her marks on the tennis court, but on the school since she came to RMA in 1st grade. Elizabeth has been an athlete and an AP Scholar with Honor. She also has been very active in multiple clubs and is an officer in the Key Club and Care Club. On any given day, Elizabeth can usually be found studying with her friends or giving a warm smile to anyone she passes in the hallway.

Elizabeth has participated in many sports throughout her high school career. Her freshman year, she played JV Tennis, JV Basketball, and participated in varsity cheerleading. Ever since sophomore year, she has played on the varsity tennis team. Elizabeth won the Coach’s Award her junior year for tennis and later that year, she returned to her varsity cheerleading team for the basketball season. She is a great competitor, and team player.

Elizabeth demonstrates hard work, not only at practice, but in the classroom as well. Elizabeth’s academic caliber has shown through her status as an AP Scholar with Honor as well as earning the honor of being an Academic Marshall. Along with these outstanding achievements, Elizabeth has also received a multitude of other acknowledgements for her dedication in the classroom. These include A Honor Roll during her freshman and sophomore years, and membership in the National Honor Society in 10th-12th grade. Throughout her career at RMA, Elizabeth has impacted many teachers and staff members, not only due to her academic intelligence but also due to her friendly attitude.

During Elizabeth’s time at RMA she has been very active in multiple clubs and extracurricular programs. Elizabeth has been a part of the International Club since sophomore year. She is currently the secretary of the Key Cub, which she has been a member of since 10th grade. Elizabeth is also the Publicity Chair of the Care Club. In 9th grade she was in the Screaming Eagles Club as well as the Stock Market Club. Elizabeth enjoys working with groups in clubs but she also has a passion for helping individuals. COOL Kids Tutoring Program is one of her favorites. She spends every Wednesday afternoon during the school year tutoring children at a local elementary school. Over the past 4 years, Elizabeth has also taken many service trips such as the Scotland service trip with other members of her church, and Costa Rica service trip organized by RMA’s own Global Studies Program. Elizabeth has also helped those in the states through the mission trip she took to Charleston, SC. Overall, Elizabeth Gay has contributed to those immediately around her at Rocky Mount Academy and her community as a whole. The interview questions below are a great way to help to get to know her even better.

What is your favorite show on Netflix?

I love the new show Narcos.

What are some activities you enjoy outside of school?

I enjoy spending time with friends and family, painting, and traveling. I also help with a tutoring program called COOL Kids which helps children that attend Williford Elementary.

What will you miss the most about RMA? The least?

Rocky Mount Academy is a great school. I sometimes forget how important RMA is to me. I have watched our school grow and change, but I will never forget how much I love it! I will miss walking down the same hallways, seeing the familiar faces of teachers and friends, listening to classic rock music in Mrs. Patton’s art class, and the feeling I get when I am on campus. I will not miss the long lunch lines!

What class have you enjoyed the most at RMA?

My favorite class at RMA is ceramics. It is so relaxing.

Do you have any nicknames?

Most people call me Liz.

Have you decided what colleges you are applying to?

I am applying to NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, College of Charleston, University of Georgia, and Ole Miss.

What are your biggest pet peeves?

My biggest pet peeve is when people drive under the speed limit.

What song best describes your work ethic?

“I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty.

If you could be the best at any one thing, what would it be?

I would want to be the best at saving money.

If you were stranded on an island with only your clothes and three other things, what would they be?

I would bring a good book, snorkel gear, and a coke!