This newest edition of the faculty focus is on none other than STEM teacher, and now coach, Ashley Barry! Having been at RMA for a cumulative 15 years throughout her career as both a student and a teacher, it’s no surprise that her name is well known on our campus. Many people know her for her involvement with the summer camps hosted here at RMA. She brings fun to every camp in her own individual way, which any of the children or student summer staff can attest to. This year, with her as my cheer coach, I have personally gotten to know Mrs. Barry and her family. Adelyn, her daughter, comes to many of the practices. When asked about how she feels having her mother work at RMA, she said (in her exact words) “She is against me of the other class” (Mrs. Barry was able to translate that to “Mommy is right next door to her classroom.”) Mrs. Barry has made the cheerleaders feel closer and more like a family through her humor and ability to connect with each and every one of us in her own way. That takes a very special person, which is reflected in the following interview.

1) What prompted you to return to RMA as a part of the faculty? When we moved to Rocky Mount from Greenville, after having Adelyn, I took a year off from teaching. Adelyn was a year old, it was time to start looking for a teaching job and that’s when Gayle High called me to tutor in the Learning Resource Center….. that was almost 6 years ago!!! I love being an EAGLE !!

2) This summer, I know that you headed up the Summer Camps Program. Do you have a favorite memory or activity from your time working this summer?  Oh man. It’s hard to sum all that fun into one memory but if I had to pick one – ROLLERSKATING!!  

3) This year, you’ve also taken on the task of being the new cheer coach! What made you decide you wanted to become a coach? I love being involved and I love RMA. ​I was a cheerleader here many years ago….and honestly, I’m having a blast!!!!

4) Has it been weird transitioning from teaching younger children to coaching teenagers? I wouldn’t say weird… but different… I have really enjoyed getting to know the teenagers on the team… They are great with Adelyn also 🙂

5) When you aren’t at RMA, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Hanging out with Cody and Adelyn. I love to paint and be crafty.  

6) Do you have a worst pet peeve? When I see someone being disrespectful… Certain people and certain situations DEMAND respect.  No matter what.  

7) Do you have any specific person/role model who you think has helped you to become who you are today? If so, who? This is a hard one!  So many people have had an influence on me.  I had the privilege  of ​having most of the teachers on RMA’s hall of fame.  They were definitely influential in me wanting to become a teacher.  My mom has been a huge influence on me, especially for her love for teaching.  I am surrounded by wonderful role models DAILY, and still learn from some of the best teachers out there….. And of course, my Cody and Adelyn.  They support me in EVERYTHING which has helped me become who I am 🙂  

8) What is your favorite song/album? I love ALL kinds of music.  It’s hard to pinpoint one genre or favorite album.  I’ve been to lots of live shows- ranging from ​The Dave Matthews Band to Darius Rucker to Jay Z and Lil’ Wayne…. I like all of it 🙂

9) If you could give any advice to your high school self (or even just high school students in general), what would it be? Don’t sweat the small stuff or THE DRAMA!!!