This week’s Senior Spotlight features a Rocky Mount Academy attendee of eight years, Allison Barnes. Since her arrival in 2008, Allison has made sure to leave her mark on RMA before she graduates this year. Over the years, her high school career has included a strong academic record, achievement in athletics, and community involvement.

Allison has successfully challenged herself academically by taking a variety of Honors and AP classes. In ninth grade, Allison received the Turner Battle Scholarship which honors students’ college potential, participation in athletics, school spirit, and leadership and made the High Honor Roll. Allison has also been a member of the National Honor Society since tenth grade. In tenth grade, Allison received an award for the highest academic average in Advanced Algebra 2, academic excellence in Honors French, and made the High Honor Roll once again.

Over the years, Allison has also participated in Varsity Basketball from ninth to twelfth grade and Varsity Soccer from eighth to twelfth grade and her hard work has been recognized by numerous awards. In ninth grade, Allison’s athletic ability and her willingness to be a team player were recognized when she was presented with the title of MVP for the JV Basketball team. In eleventh grade, Allison was also awarded All Conference for Varsity Soccer and achieved a second place ranking along with the rest of her team in All-Tournament Varsity Basketball.

Allison has also invested much of her time in the RMA community as well as the community that surrounds it. Allison’s club membership includes the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Key Club, Care Club, International Club, and Stock Market Club. Allison has also participated in the Stars Tutoring program, sacrificing her time to help younger students right here are RMA. Allison’s potential as a leader can be seen in her positions as Captain of the Varsity Soccer and Varsity Basketball teams as well as the Yearbook Video Editor in her senior year. Though her involvement in the RMA community is substantial, it does not end when Allison leaves campus. Allison has participated in the Gatekeepers program, which works to fix up houses in the downtown area, every summer of high school. Allison has also attended the Montreat Youth Conference, through her church in Montreat, NC from ninth to twelfth grade. In the ninth grade, Allison also participated in a mission trip to Atlanta, Georgia. Allison has also volunteered many hours with the Meals on Wheels program of Rocky Mount from eleventh to twelfth grade. As Allison graduates, she will be remembered as an involved well-rounded student who has succeeded in many aspects of life here at RMA. To learn more about Allison, read the interview below!

1. What is your favorite show on Netflix?

Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal by Shonda Rhimes… they’re very addictive.

2. What are some activities that you enjoy outside of school?

I love being active (when I’m not sleeping), so I go on a lot of runs while also playing sports. I also enjoy shopping, participating in community service projects, and spending time with friends and family!

3. What will you miss the most about RMA?

I think I will miss seeing my close friends every day and the faculty members who I’ve grown close to. It will definitely be a challenge transitioning from RMA, where I know every student and teacher, to a large university where it is almost impossible to know everyone and make an impression.

4. What has been your favorite class at RMA?

I would have to say Chemistry because I found it interesting and the experiments were fun to do. I also appreciated Dr. Well’s sense of humor… there was never a dull class period.

5. Do you have any nicknames?

I am sometimes called Mary by friends since it is my first name, but it’s usually for the sole purpose of irritating me.

6. Where have you applied to college? Any acceptances?

I have applied to UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State University, East Carolina University, UNC-Wilmington, Campbell, and High Point University. So far I have received acceptances from ECU, UNCW, Campbell, and HPU.

7. What would you like to study in college?

I am still undecided, but leaning towards the medical field (physical therapy or pharmacy). I would study either Biology or Chemistry.

8. What kind of music is on your Spotify?

A little bit of everything. It ranges from artists like Fetty Wap, to Beyoncé, and Tim McGraw. Also some 90s throwbacks are in there of course!

9. What are your pet peeves?

I am not a fan of slow drivers…usually because I’m in a hurry, nosy people, the saying “see you next year” on New Year’s Eve, and when people chew loudly.

10. If you could be the best at anything, what would it be?

Living life to the fullest

11. What is something that you are proud of accomplishing while at RMA?

NHS, receiving All-Conference for varsity soccer, not getting run over in the parking lot, and graduating (I would hope). I also enjoyed surprising Mr. Stone by scoring a 4 on the AP U.S. Government and Politics exam when the class was a struggle sometimes.