This week’s Senior Spotlight features “lifer” Olivia Turnage. Olivia has certainly made the most of her fourteen years at our school with her deeply invested involvement in all aspects of what RMA has to offer. Throughout her high school years, Olivia has given back to the RMA community in countless ways. A successful student, athlete, and leader, Olivia is someone whose approachable and lively personality will be missed on campus. Even outside of school, Olivia’s “pay it forward” mentality is something that follows her wherever she goes.

Academically, Olivia has challenged herself while maintaining a successful record that is reflective of her efforts. She has taken strictly Honors and AP courses since her freshman year and has been a member of the National Honor Society since getting inducted during her sophomore year. Olivia has earned the title of an AP Scholar and, by the end of her time at RMA, she will have taken part in a total of seven AP classes including AP Biology, AP European History, and AP Statistics. Olivia’s ability to manage a rigorous academic schedule is an achievement in its own right especially considering her level of involvement outside of the classroom.

Olivia’s participation in various extracurricular activities has served her extremely well during her years in high school. Olivia has played on the varsity tennis team since her sophomore year, and ended this season with a bittersweet goodbye to years of comradery with her teammates. Olivia has also been a member of Key Club since her freshman year. In her junior year, she was elected as the Publicity Chair and was elected as President for her senior year. The Key Club has been extremely successful in its community service efforts under her leadership this year and its achievements have included purchasing Christmas gifts for a needy family and raising over $1,400 for the Holly Project. During her freshman year, Olivia joined the Global Studies Honors Program which is a group dedicated to exploring global history, language, and literature. Olivia has also been an active member in Fellowship of Christian Athletes since freshman year where she, along with her peers, worked to bring their faith to their competitive pursuits. During her junior grade year, Olivia was chosen to become the Youth Deacon of First Presbyterian Church and, under her position, represents the youth of her congregation, attends all monthly meetings, helps sets budgets, and works to keep the church updated on events throughout the year. In the summer of her freshman year, Olivia traveled to Atlanta with her church to improve conditions in a community garden, serve meals to the homeless, and organize and teach a bible study for underprivileged children. A main part of Olivia’s school involvement has revolved around her presence in Media Office. In her junior year, Olivia was chosen as co-editor of the Eagle Examiner and was promoted to the position of editor-in-chief for her senior year. Olivia’s commitment to this organization has been apparent in the program’s second successful year. This year, the members will be putting together an athletic promotional video for the school and has already produced a video honoring NCISAA Hall of Fame inductee, Coach Benny Alexander. Week to week, Olivia assigns articles to the rest of the Media Office and keeps the overall operation running smoothly. Olivia’s impact on RMA is sure to be something that remains on campus and in her community. As we wish her the best on future endeavors, take a look at the interview below to get to know her even more!

What is your favorite show on Netflix?

My favorite show on Netflix without a doubt is The Office.

What do you enjoy doing outside of school?

Outside of school I love going to the Y (specifically Zumba with Lucy on Monday nights), spending time with my friends and family, working as a lifeguard at Benvenue, and babysitting.

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

After a good 14 years at RMA, I will definitely miss the close relationships I’ve formed with the faculty and my friends as well as traditions that I’ve been a part of for so many years. However, I will miss the half-day dismissal traffic the least!

What has been your favorite class at RMA?

My favorite class has been Media Office! I’ve enjoyed writing and publishing editions of the Eagle Examiner as well as forming close relationships within the team my junior and senior years.

Do you have any nicknames?

My family calls me Livy, but other than that I don’t have any nicknames that are used very often.

Where will you be attending college?

I’ll be attending the University of Georgia, go dawgs!

What do you plan on studying in college?

I plan on studying Broadcast Journalism.

What kind of music is on your Spotify?

I have a little bit of everything on my Spotify. You could find anything from Bruce Springsteen to Dave Matthews Band to Drake on there.

What are your pet peeves?

A major pet peeve of mine is when people don’t thank their waiter/waitress for refilling their drink or bringing their food out.

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

I would be the best at making money if I could choose.

What are you most proud of accomplishing during your time at RMA?

I am proud of all of my time at RMA, but I am most proud of becoming Editor-in-chief of the Media Office and being the president of Key Club when our school raised $1,400 for the Holly Project through an ice cream sale back in October.