There is no doubt that when he first arrived at Rocky Mount Academy, Thomas Newton was often mistaken for his older brother, Sharpe, due to the fact that they are nearly identical. Over time, however, Thomas has established himself as a core member of the senior class and RMA family. Always quick with a joke, Thomas is a pleasure to be around, with a positive attitude that promises to lift anyone’s spirits. He spreads his positive, contagious personality to anyone he meets by being a very open and easy person to talk to, no matter what the subject.

In school, Thomas has challenged himself with a variety of classes. His choice to take Calculus for a second year is something others may be unwilling to do, but Thomas has stuck with and balanced its requirements alongside his other AP classes. In fact, Thomas only takes one non-AP class. His course load includes another rigorous math course, AP Statistics, AP US History with Mr. Stone, and other classes like AP English and AP Biology. The government and histories he is interested in are likely due to his father’s previous position as a North Carolina State Senator. In every class he takes, Thomas excels. He constantly makes good grades on both the requirements in class and on AP Tests. Academics are not the only thing in school that sets Thomas apart from his classmates however. He has consistently placed well on the swim team and has participated as a key member of the varsity tennis team since his arrival to Rocky Mount Academy.

Outside the classroom it is unusual for Thomas to be idle. He can always been with something to do, as seen through the range of variety in his extracurricular activities. As a very adventurous person, Thomas participates in activities such as competitive sailing and enjoys whitewater kayaking. To sail, he travels long distances to coastal competitions, where he has participated in a large number of races; the majority of them end with him in a first or second place win.

For more information on Thomas, check out the short interview below:

1. When did you start attending RMA? What was the biggest change when you transferred from your old school? I started attending junior year (Fall 2016) The biggest change was probably just changing friends.
2. What colleges are you applying to and why are you applying to them? I am applying to UNC, NCSU, APP (Appalachian) State, and Florida State. I like APP for the mountains, Florida for the beach and engineering, State for engineering, and UNC…I don’t know, just because.
3. Have you ever traveled outside the country? If so where and what did you do? I have traveled out of the country to Belize 3 times for mission trips in the southern part of the country.
4. Growing up, what did you aspire to be? Growing up I aspired to be a billionaire… still do.
5. I know you enjoy projects outside of school. What is your most recent or most interesting one? My favorite project outside of school is my Hobie Cat 14′ sailboat, always breaking fun to fix.
6. What is your best memory from RMA? My favorite memory is all of those bus trips for tennis.
7. What is something nobody knows about you? Everyone knows everything about me. I’m an open book.
8. What is your biggest pet peeve? My biggest pet peeve is people who aren’t stupid but act stupid.
9. Do you have a nickname? I have lots of nicknames… none are appropriate.
10. What is some advice you would give to underclassmen reading this? Don’t procrastinate.