The Senior Spotlight this week focuses on one of the friendliest faces at RMA, Jacob Watkins! He has been a staple in the class of 2018 since he began school here in the first grade. Any friend of Jacob’s is a fortunate soul! Jacob is known for his amiable nature. He greets everyone with a smile and is always willing to help out a friend. Perhaps his most pronounced trait is his laid back attitude. Jacob is very easy-going, which can be inferred from his signature style of soccer jerseys, sweatpants, and slides. Jacob is sure to be missed when next fall comes around!

Academically, Jacob is a very bright individual! He shows a tremendous amount of dedication to his classes. He has made great grades throughout high school and has been enrolled in several AP courses, securing a spot for himself in National Honor Society. Jacob also has a passion for music! He has become a skillful guitar play over the years and he is an active member of the music performance club. Also, Jacob participates in community service activities. He has served long, work-filled weeks for Gatekeepers in the summers, helping repair the homes of those who cannot manage it themselves due to physical or financial barriers. Outside of Rocky Mount, Jacob has earned community service hours with his church on trips to New York City. All of Jacob’s hardwork has paid off in the most rewarding way, as he got into his dream college, Wake Forest, this summer. Go Deacons!

Not only does he display talent in the classroom, Jacob shines on the soccer field as well. Eagle fans have supported Jacob on the soccer field since he started on the JV team in seventh grade, and he has built up the reputation of a strong player over the years. He puts in hours and hours of practice on the RMA field and also with his travel soccer team. All of the practice and dedication over the years has led Jacob to becoming a captain on the soccer team. Jacob leaves it all on the field and truly gives every game his all!

To learn more about Jacob, please read the interview below.

Q: What will you miss the most about RMA?

A: Definitely all the friends I’ve made. It’s gonna hurt leaving all of them behind, but I know I will stay in touch with a lot of them for sure. I will miss them a lot.

Q: Do you know what you want to study in college? If so, what?

A: I think I want to study molecular biology, but it’s still in question for me haha.

Q: Name your favorite memory at RMA.

A: When Bailey and I went to the Valentines dance together so we could get the 3 dollar couples discount.

Q:  I understand you are a talented guitar player. What is your favorite song?

A: Easily Blackbird by John Lennon.

Q: What are your pet peeves?

A: I’m OCD, so things slightly out of order or stuff like that. I’m disorganized, but it’s different, I swear.

Q: Favorite long lunch destination?

A: Either cookout or Tokyo express.  You can’t go wrong.

Q:  What is the best advice you have ever received?

A: Just be confident. I don’t know who said it but I’ve always seen it as the more confident you are the more likely you are to reach your goal and it has worked for me so far.