Though she has only graced the halls of Rocky Mount Academy for a year and some change, Jillian Lavely has quickly become an essential component of the 2018 class! Jillian’s kind laugh, intelligence, and determination make her a renowned character on campus, and do not forget her good looks! She is strong and in anywhere from the classroom to the swimming pool, Jillian is a force to be reckoned with!

Jillian is going on her second and final year at RMA, and she has left a legend of excellence! Regarding the classroom, she challenges herself with a rigorous course load, taking classes such as AP Calculus, AP United States History, and AP Psychology. With her skilled mind and work ethic, Jillian has obtained a spot in the National Honors Society. Not only does Jillian shine in the classroom, she is also a stellar athlete. Jillian competes in endurance sports, such as swimming, cross country, and track. Countless hours spent doing drills and sprints in the pool have led Jillian to achieve high honors and achievements in swimming. She made it to the State meet last year, and she earned the Coach’s Award for RMA. Along with her academic and athletic endeavors, Jillian also applies her talents outside of school. She does volunteer work through the Debuette Club of Rocky Mount. She also works at the YMCA as a swim instructor and lifeguard.

With her zeal for life and success, Jillian is destined to leave the halls of RMA and go on to do amazing things! Rocky Mount Academy will not be the same without the amazing person that is Jillian Lavely!

To learn more about this week’s senior spotlight, check out the interview below!

1. Where are you applying to college? I am applying to UNC, NC State, UNCW, ECU, and Georgetown.

2. What are you thinking about majoring in? I am thinking about majoring in Biomedical Life Sciences or Biology.

3. What is your favorite book and why? I have no idea why, but my favorite book would probably be To Kill a Mockingbird.

4. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be? I would probably be somewhere surfing and swimming, maybe Puerto Rico or Hawaii.

5. How long have you been swimming? What’s your favorite aspect of the sport? I have been swimming since I was 6 years old and I just love the rush of the meets, and how excited my team and I get when we get a good time!

6. What is the best advice you have ever received? The best advice I’ve received would probably be “Don’t waste your gifts!”

7. What is one “fun fact” no one knows about you? One “Fun Fact” that nobody knows about me is that my nickname is “Zoo.”