Laughter. That is the first thing I think of when I hear the name Casey Jones. In fact, if there was any way I could include an audio recording of laughter in this article, I would. Known throughout the hallways and especially in AP Statistics for her joyful giggling, Casey’s unmatchable lively attitude speaks only a fraction for the impact she has made at RMA. Having seen her score a homerun on a test and then again later that day on the softball field, it is safe to say that Casey’s contributions to this school have made her a real MVP.

It would be almost inappropriate to not first highlight Casey’s athletic achievements. From basketball to softball, Casey has been an integral part of the sports department here at RMA. Having first gotten into softball when she was ten, Casey’s skill and dedicated has just grown with her over the years. Not only does she work hard during the spring softball season, but in order to prepare, Casey works-out and plays travel softball year round. Obviously, this loyalty to the sport and the skill accompanying it have not gone unnoticed. Starting off with a verbal commitment to the University of North Carolina-Wilmington the summer before sophomore year, Casey recently signed her contract to play softball with them last month. Rounding off and solidifying her position, Casey received her official acceptance letter to the school this past Friday. As Casey furthers her education and softball skills in the coming years, everyone at RMA is excited for her to spread her wings as a Seahawk in 2018!

Moving into realm of the classroom, Casey’s academic achievements have consistently remained stellar. Challenging herself with multiple AP classes such as AP Economics (Macro and Micro), AP Statistics (more on that later), and AP Environmental Science, Casey’s maintained Honor roll throughout all of high school. Not only using the summertime for softball workouts, this past summer Casey took a Psychology course at Nash Community College, earning even more college credits. Looking forward, Casey plans to pursue a career with the CIA or FBI after college, and her impressive work ethic will undoubtedly aid her in her collegiate pursuits as well as her after college plans.

Stepping away from numbers and lines to put on a remarkable résumé, Casey’s funny and joyful personality is one of her most distinguishable traits. But, do not let her usually happy persona fool you, Casey has never been afraid to stand up for what she believes in or have a few unforgettable one-liners (throwback to Pre-Calculus Honors in 11th grade).  Ms. Carter even remarks, “I have enjoyed getting to know Casey over these past couple of years!  Her laugh is contagious and her personality makes it easy for her to get along with everyone, and I’ll never forget the day she broke my “Sass-O-Meter” with her one-line comeback in class!” Casey’s ability to keep people straight while also keeping upbeat attitude is, to me, one of her most  admirable traits. As my “Stats buddy,” the consistently exchanged glances and increased laughter prompted by Casey have definitely been a huge blessing in my life. From giggling about Coach Colbert’s “song” about her (Caaaaseeeey Jooones…She’s a turkey huntin’ mama!) to trying to figure out a math problem, there’s a certain presence in the senior class that would be missing without Casey.  She’s a natural born leader, one unafraid of hard work and trials and one of the few people I know who manages to jump rope with the line separating immaturity and cheerfulness. I can say without a doubt that next year I’ll miss seeing her everyday, but look forward to watching her doing what she loves on the softball field. So, next year when I take off to Wilmington to go see Casey play in her first college softball game, I’ll happily take any other fans with me, filling the car ride there with stories about the infamous, for now at least, Casey Jones (who also doubles as a turkey huntin’ mama).

To learn more about Casey, please read the following interview!

1. I heard you just got accepted in UNCW. Congratulations! What are you most looking forward to about going there? I look forward to of course playing softball on an extremely competitive level and enjoy being with my teammates and coaches. I also look forward to meeting new people and exploring college life and its new experiences. Lastly, its location is perfect because it’s close to one of my favorite places: the beach and is also close to home.
2. What first got you into playing softball? My dad has always coached high school baseball ever since I was little so I have always been around sports and the players he coached. I used to always go with my dad to practice and run around the older boys so that is what got me into playing softball and sports in general.
3. What is one “fun fact” about yourself that not many people know? A fun fact about me is I have been to 13 different states just for softball.  I also had a cow named Nella that ate Doritos and drank coke from my hand.
4. I know you have several dogs. Can you tell me a little bit about them? I have five dogs which are two labs, two beagles, and a mini dachshund. I have always loved animals and specifically my lab Otis since my family got him when I was three. We have kind of grown up together!
5. What is your dream job/What do you want to do after you’ve finished your education? My dream job as always been to be in the FBI or the CIA.
6. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? The best piece of advice I have ever received is if it was easy everybody would do it. Also, hard works truly does pay off.
7. Who is your hero (who has inspired you to be who you are today)? My Grandma DJ is one of my hero’s. Her unconditional love and support made her so inspirational. She also gave the best advice and was always the person to lean on.
8. What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you? The funniest thing that has ever happened to me was when I was playing in a huge softball showcase tournament in Atlanta, Georgia. I tripped over my own shoelaces and face planted in front of about 10 college coaches.
9. If you could only watch three movies for the rest of your life, what three would you watch? It isn’t a movie but it is one of my favorite TV shows, Bates Motel. The next two would probably be Safe Haven and The Blind Side.
10. What has been your favorite memory so far at RMA? My favorite memory so far would be building the relationships with my teachers whether I’ve had them since Pre-K or since 11th grade. Also staying with most of my “lifer” friends is a cool memory many people will never get to have.