This week’s senior spotlight is Stephen Ward. Stephen, who has been at RMA since 8^th grade, is an active member in the RMA community, participating in numerous clubs and activities. Stephen played JV Soccer in 9^th grade, Cross Country from 9^th to 11^th grade, but his main focus in on swimming, which he has participated in all 4 years of high school. In 10^th grade, he received the Highest Average Award for English, continually working hard and attaining good grades. Not only is he active in the RMA community, but he is also active in the Rocky Mount community. This past summer, Stephen volunteered at the hospital, discharging patients, selling candy, and helping fold shirts.

While all of this is impressive, what truly makes Stephen unique is his love for Motocross. Stephen has been competing all across the country since a young age, and continues to work hard. The past few summers, Stephen has trained for the Loretta Lynn Amateur in Tennessee, which features the best young racers in the country. Training for this requires hours of cardio, hours in the gym, and hours on the bike. Stephen made it to both the Northeast and Southeast regionals, only needing to finish in the top 7 to qualify for nationals. After a heartbreaking crash, Stephen was left out of nationals. But his strong work ethic that is not only evident in school but also in racing has put himself in a position to have one last chance to qualify for nationals this summer.

To learn more about Stephen, read the interview below!

What is your favorite show on Netflix?

Breaking Bad

What are some activities you enjoy outside of school?

Working in the garage with my dad on my dirt bikes and 1965 f100, practicing and racing my dirt bike with my dad, traveling with my family

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

I will miss the small classes and close connection with teachers and friends. I will miss the long lines to get out of school the least.

What class have you enjoyed the most at RMA?

U.S. History with Mr. Stancavish

Do you have any nicknames?

No

Have you decided what colleges you are applying to?

ECU and maybe going to community college for 2 years and transferring to UNCW, I haven’t really made up my mind yet.

What are your biggest pet peeves?

My biggest pet peeve is when I’m driving with cruise control on and someone passes me and then slows down in front of me.

What song best describes your work ethic?

Ballin by Logic

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

I would want to be the best at skateboarding because that seems fun and cool.

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

I would choose a knife, matches, and Mr. Stancavish’s advice.