This week’s Senior Spotlight focuses on a standout at Rocky Mount Academy, Lindy Pittman. Lindy has been a part of the senior class since Pre-k (well, aside from a brief intermission when she lived in Steamboat Springs, Colorado for her 7th grade year). When Lindy returned to RMA, she didn’t miss a beat as her personality lends itself to the task of being a leader. She is outgoing, self-aware, and extremely driven. Lindy is someone who will take on any challenge and will certainly not give anything less than 110% of what she is capable of. As someone who has been motivated and befriended by Lindy, I am more than familiar with how “one of a kind” she is for this year’s senior class.

At Rocky Mount Academy, Lindy’s name is synonymous with competitive academic achievement. This being said, Lindy’s interest in academics does not rest on the principle of proving herself. She has a heightened admiration for learning that can only be expressed through boundless curiosity. In 11th grade, Lindy was accepted and enrolled in the North Carolina School of Science and Math Online Program. From her junior year on, Lindy simultaneously took courses at RMA and at NCSSM—just another example of her passion for knowledge. While at RMA, Lindy has been the recipient of the Headmaster’s Award, honoring the highest GPA of each grade level, for three years in a row. It will be no surprise when she leaves her mark at the Class of 2017’s graduation ceremony by giving this year’s Valedictorian speech. Lindy has also been the recipient of the Robert Sykes Memorial Math Scholarship, which honors a former beloved math teacher of our school. In her senior year, Lindy’s diligent and persistent hard work was rewarded when she was named a school nominee for both the Morehead-Cain Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Danforth Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis. Surely a deserving candidate for both of these scholarships, Lindy was a competitive choice for both of these opportunities.

Lindy’s extracurricular record is as equally impressive as her academic one. She has been involved in just about every aspect of life at RMA throughout her high school years. Lindy has participated in Science Olympiad and was a regional winner in Disease Detectives and Cell Biology. She was elected President of the Student Government Association in her senior year and has been a member of the Honor Council since 9th grade. In addition, she has been the senior-acolyte of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church since her junior year. Anyone that knows Lindy knows about her outgoing personality. This makes her involvement in the theatre program at RMA only right. She has been entertaining audiences throughout her high school career with roles like the Cowardly Lion in Oz: the Musical, Judas in Godspell, and Snoopy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Her theatrical talents have not only graced the RMA stage, but the community state as well. At the Dunn Center, Lindy starred as Imogene in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and Chip in Beauty and the Beast at the Imperial Centre. As you can see, Lindy’s involvement has been extremely wide ranging and all inclusive.

To learn more about this talented and brilliant senior, read the interview below!

1. What has been your favorite class at RMA?

This is a hard one! It’s probably a tie between AP Government with Mr. Stone and English 11 last year with Dr. O’Brien. Although, if I manage to break the previous record for the Psych Multiple Choice, that might become my favorite!

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

I think my biggest accomplishment is somehow playing a guy in every single school production. Every year without fail, (mostly due to the lack of male presence in the drama scene at RMA), I end up playing a man. I like to think it speaks more to my ability to act outside my comfort zone rather than anything about me personally!

3. What will you miss the most about RMA?

I’ll miss being with all these wonderful people everyday. I’ve made some great friends and had some amazing teachers here.

4. What is your favorite long lunch destination?

I’m a big fan of Smithfield’s, or my house if I’m broke.

5. Do know what you want to study in college?

Right now, I’m thinking biology to become a doctor, but I’m open to changing my mind!

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

It changed from week to week, honestly, but astronaut was pretty common. That, or a world-famous actress.

7. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully I will have finished college instead of becoming a bridge troll, and maybe medical school too. From there, I’m not sure, but I’ve entertained the thought of working for NASA, even if it is a long shot! If that doesn’t work out, practicing medicine somewhere cold.

8. What is your favorite Netflix show?

Right now I’m a big fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

9. What is something not many people know about you?

I have visited 47 states, missing only Oregon, Montana, and North Dakota.

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

DO NOT TAKE AP ENGLISH. Nothing against Mrs. Baker-Smith, but come Spring of your senior year you will not want to make another video. Also, Mr. Stone really isn’t that bad, just pay attention in class, and ATFQ (answer the full question) and you’ll be fine!

11. What is your pet peeve?

I can’t stand it when people aren’t willing or able to defend their beliefs. I think everyone should be able to believe whatever they want, but please have reasons for doing so.

12. Do you have a nickname?

My family calls me Bear, or Papa Bear (affectionately!), and around school I’ve been called Manpitt a few too many times. Lintree is another pretty common one.