This weeks Senior Spotlight features outstanding student, leader and arguably the most patriotic person at Rocky Mount Academy, Sharpe Newton. Sharpe moved to RMA beginning in 11th grade and there is no doubt that he has become part of the school community. Sharpe is involved in school through Varsity Soccer, Tennis, Key Club, YAG and Yearbook. He can be found either on the soccer field practicing, or somewhere with the GoPro taking a video for Yearbook. YAG, Youth and Government, is a club that Sharpe introduced to RMA. He has been involved in YAG since he was a freshman and was chosen to serve as a head lobbyist this year.

Outside of school, Sharpe can be found kayaking, sailing, or at Camp Don Lee. He has been attending this camp for many years and now works on their staff during the summer and occasional weekends during the school year. Sharpe is very adventurous and if he could, he would spend all of his time outdoors. A few other well-known facts about Sharpe are his outspoken political views, tendency to get injured, and his truck plastered with stickers.

Sharpe was one of the school endorsed nominees for the Levine Scholarship at University of North Carolina at Charlotte which is the school’s most prestigious merit scholarship program. Each year, approximately 20 Levine Scholarships are awarded to extraordinary high school seniors based on scholarship, ethical leadership and civic engagement. Along with the Levine, he is also applying for the Park Scholarship at North Carolina State University. The Park Scholarship is a four-year scholarship awarded on the basis of outstanding accomplishments and potential in scholarship, leadership, service and character.

To learn more about Sharpe, read the interview questions below.

1. Growing up, what did you aspire to be?

A politician

2. What is one of your pet peeves?

When people who are smart think that it is cool to play dumb. Also when Anna Scott talks like Miranda Sings.

3. Favorite long lunch destination?

Zaxbys

4. What kind of music do you listen to?

According to Caitlyn, I listen to girly music, but I listen to pretty much every kind of music.

5. Can you tell us about a volunteer experience that is particularly meaningful to you?

When I went on a mission trip to Belize. It’s probably on of my favorite places on the planet.

6. What has been your favorite class at RMA?

Probably Government with Mr. Stone or lunch.

7. What will you miss most about RMA?

The family feeling. Our school is like one tight knit family and all of the teachers really care about the students.

8. Where are you applying to college?

NC State and a few other places.

9. If you could give any piece of advice to underclassmen, what would it be?

One, do not make Mr. Stone mad, and two, wear America clothes on the regular. It makes everyone like you more.

10. What are you most proud of accomplishing at RMA?

Either being captain of the Varsity Soccer team or getting into National Honor Society.