This week’s senior spotlight is on the one and only Hunter Nealey. Anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting Hunter over his 11 years at RMA will know he is someone who is always sure to put a smile on your face with his dry sense of humor and wit. Not only known for his humor, but Hunter is also just a good friend, willing to give a helping hand to anyone in need. 

In Hunter’s time at RMA, he has excelled academically, taking honors and AP courses, even earning Academic Excellence in Biology in 11th grade and Academic Excellence in French in 9th grade. Hunter has given himself a rigorous workload this year, taking AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, Media Office, Honors French IV, and Ceramics. His academic achievements have earned him placement into the Senior Beta Club and National Honor Society. 

Not only participating in academic endeavors, Hunter has been a Boy Scout for as long as he can remember. He has worked his way through the ranks of Scouts and earned his Eagle Scout this year. For his project, he organized a food drive through Stop Hunger Now, mailing packaged meals to impoverished people throughout the world. Hunter has also been an important part of the swim, golf, and shooting teams throughout his time at RMA.

A coffee enthusiast and an avid reader, Hunter loves to spend his free time at local coffee shops with his friends and can almost always be found with a new book. I have known Hunter since he came to RMA, and throughout our times together we have always been able to talk endlessly about any subject, no matter its uniquities. He has become one of my best friends just through the 5 minutes we spend chatting in the bathroom during French. From deep conversations in the senior room to almost getting chainsawed at Howl-O-Scream, Hunter has always been someone I can count on. One of Hunter’s best friends, Elizabeth Winstead, says, “Hunter is the best kind of person to have a conversation with; he’s witty and always has something original to say. He’s always honest and tells me like it is, and that’s one of his best qualities.” 

Sadly, this will be Hunter’s last year at RMA, as he leaves us for DePaul University in Chicago and hopes to major in film production. Although the RMA community will be sad to see Hunter go, we know he will find great success wherever he is, in college and beyond.

Continue reading below to learn more about Hunter!

• What are you gonna miss the most about RMA? All of the great relationships I have formed through RMA. It has been such a huge part of my life, and I know I will miss many of the people it allowed me to meet.

• What is your favorite class you’ve taken at RMA? English 11 with Dr. O’Brien.

• What is something nobody knows about you?  I take piano lessons.

• Where do you see yourself in ten years? Hopefully working as a videographer out west, doing freelance work.

• What is your favorite quote? “We tell ourselves stories in order to live” -Joan Didion.

• Describe your dream vacation. A private bungalow in the tropics.

• What is your favorite TV show and why? I love Parks and Recreation because it shows the power of positivity and it’s just really funny.

• If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? I love Lost in Translation because it’s very touching and witty.

• If you were trapped on a deserted island, what three things would you bring? My music, a golf cart, and seeds.