For our latest senior spotlight, the Media Office is highlighting one of our very own: Mary-Edith Cox. Mary-Edith has attended Rocky Mount Academy for 14 years, making her a lifer who started her academic career here in Pre-K. Everyone’s hype woman, Mary-Edith is known for being a best friend to all who allow her to be. Speaking from experience, I have never had a friend so skilled at balancing care and tough love. I can truly say that I am a better person because of her impact on my life. Her friend Virginia Grey Newton agrees with me: “Mary-Edith’s been one of my best friends since I came to RMA. She’s the type of person you never stop loving. She’s always looking out for her friends, and she’s able to find something in common with just about anyone.” Describing herself as self-assured, loyal, and dependable, her friends’ testimonies prove these words to be fitting.

Academically, Mary-Edith gives nothing short of her best. Throughout high school, she has taken an array of challenging courses, and her senior year is not an exception. She is currently enrolled in Honors French 4, Honors Calculus, Honors English 12, Media Office, AP Psychology, Yearbook, and American Cultures. Her classes prove Mary-Edith’s dedication to not only her studies, but also giving back to the school by lending her talents to the Yearbook staff and the Eagle Examiner. It is true that Mary-Edith loves her school and takes a lot of pride in being an RMA Eagle. She participates in many clubs on our campus, including Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Global Studies Honors, Fashion Club, and Drama Club. Moreover, Mary-Edith plays tennis and has been an extremely active member of the cheerleading squad. Since freshman year, she has brought her unmatched pep and spirit to the team, even earning the Coach’s Award her sophomore year, an honor well-deserved. She has been very dedicated to cheer and will always be remembered for how much work she put into the team (and for her awesome Herkie). Mrs. Barry and Ms. Holloman will certainly feel her loss next year. 

Perhaps one of Mary-Edith’s greatest gifts is her well-roundedness. In addition to thriving academically and playing sports, she has been a true gift to the drama department. It is no secret to anyone that Mary-Edith is an outstanding dancer, the likes of which have not been seen in RMA’s productions in years. Though others can pick up choreography and execute moves without mistakes, few can bring the style that Mary-Edith does. She just makes everything look good. Due to her abilities, she has been the dance captain of almost every show she has been in and was even given the opportunity to choreograph alongside Pat Petruzziello. As someone who is also heavily involved in drama at RMA, I can say that she is so passionate about dancing and teaching others to be the same way, and I have learned so much from her. Even RMA’s resident Scrooge, Mr. Stone, admitted that he could not stop watching Mary-Edith during her beautiful lyrical solo in this year’s show, Footloose. 

Sadly, Mary-Edith will be departing the halls of Rocky Mount Academy for Oxford, Mississippi next year. She has decided to attend her dream school, Ole Miss, to pursue a degree in psychology. However, Mary-Edith also applied and was accepted to Auburn University, UT  Knoxville, and UNC Wilmington. Mary-Edith has been so successful in her years at RMA, and I have no doubt that her success will continue. Mary-Edith, I will miss you so much, and your presence will not be forgotten among the many people you’ve touched with your beautiful soul.

Keep reading to learn more about Mary-Edith!

• What is your favorite movie of all time? Top Gun or Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

• What is a quote you try to live by? “From now on, I’m going to own myself and be true to myself. I no longer want to live someone else’s idea of what and who I should be. I’m going to be me.” -Princess Diana.

• If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Ummmm probably pasta, you can’t go wrong with Italian food:)

• What would you say is your theme song? “Serpentine Fire” by Earth, Wind & Fire.

• If a genie granted you three wishes, what would you ask for? Happiness for my friends and family (I love them too much to see them sad), the ability to eat without gaining weight, and a life full of love and success.

• Who is your greatest role model, and why? My mom and my old nanny, Miss Sally. They both taught me how to live life to the fullest and they are both the reason I’m the way I am now. I also learned how to cook because of them 🙂

• Describe your dream vacation. Santorini, Greece!!! I want a Mamma Mia themed trip!

• Who that you have met at RMA inspires you the most? Dawn Whitehurst continues to inspire me. She encourages each of her students to chase their dreams, and she loves what she does, which makes other people love it too.

• What will you miss the most about RMA? I’m going to miss the familiarity of RMA. I’ve been at RMA since Pre-K, so it has become a second home to me!

• Best RMA memory? Nature walks with Dr. K!