Like the wind, we might not always see Mr. Sparks’ contributions to the school, but we can undoubtedly feel them. Mr. Sparks, Rocky Mount Academy’s groundskeeper for the past seven and a half years, works everyday to make sure that the school is safe and beautiful for faculty and students alike to enjoy. From putting up chairs and risers in the cafetorium for our annual Christmas programs to fixing any and every thing broken, without Mr. Sparks’ skills, RMA would not be able to function near as smooth as it does.

A lesser known fact about Mr. Sparks is his friendship with RMA’s youngest students. Affectionately known as “Mr. Joey,” Mr. Sparks occasionally eats lunch with the Pre-K and Kindergarten classes, creating a bond and memories with them that they will never forget. As these younger students grow and progress through their years at school, the importance of caring for the school and also keeping it clean will not be just another meaningless idea they must remember to do, but have a friendly face attached to it.

While Mr. Sparks lends his talents here at RMA, few people know about his other hobbies. He and his wife are avid motorcycle enthusiasts, occasionally taking motorcycling trips around one-thousand miles. Mr. Sparks also uses his woodworking skills to make benches and other amazing furniture for his grandchildren. Although Mr. Sparks’ impact on the school may not be as visible as teachers’ and/or our administrative staff, without him, the gentle breeze that makes hot Carolina afternoons enjoyable would cease to blow.

To learn more about Mr. Sparks, please read the following interview:  

1. When did you first start working at Rocky Mount Academy? March 2010
2. What is one thing that no one knows about you (a “fun fact”)? I like learning the way of the Indians and anything from the fur trade era.
3. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Moosetracks
4. If you had to go back and relive a moment from your life, which one (moment) would you pick? My 1995 family reunion. It was the last time my whole family was all together.
5. When you were younger, who was your hero? Why? My dad. He could do anything and always had time to help and play with us kids.
6. What advice would you give your high school self? Make plans to go to college.
7. What is your favorite place to travel to and why? Anywhere in the Rocky Mountains. I like riding my harley through the wilderness and imagining what it was like the first time it was seen.
8. If you were only allowed to watch one movie the rest of your life, which movie would you chose? The Mountain Men.
9. What is your proudest accomplishment? Living life the way I want to, not the way others think I should.
10. What is your favorite quote and why? Life goes on. No matter what you do, or what happens because of others, life goes on.