This week’s alumni update focuses on Kate Tharin, a graduate from the class of 1997. Kate attended Randolph Macon Women’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she majored in Sociology and Elementary Education. She also played tennis in college and was very successful as Randolph Macon’s #1 seed. Kate has been involved at Rocky Mount Academy in a number of ways since 1988. From attending RMA as a student, to teaching Second Grade at RMA for four years, to now having two children at the school and volunteering constantly, Kate has never truly left Rocky Mount Academy. During her time as an RMA student, Kate was an essential member of the tennis team and the yearbook staff. After attending college, she came back to teach Second Grade Language Arts with Ms. Libba Weaver, who she still considers to be one of her best friends. While she is no longer teaching, she has found a number of ways to stay active at the school. She has chaired the auction, served as President of the Parents’ Organization, and is a substitute teacher on a regular basis. She is also very involved in her children’s sports teams, especially tennis. She never misses a match for either of her children, who have both followed in her footsteps with their love of tennis. I can personally say that she is my best tennis fan, and that she has cheered me on through my matches since JV in middle school and now through a state tournament. Kate is in the process of planning her 25th year reunion for her high school class and looks forward to the rest of classmates seeing how much the school has grown. As her daughter, I can say that she is my biggest role model and the most supportive, dedicated, and overall best mom that I could ask for. 

Read below to learn more about Kate Tharin!

1. What is your favorite TV show: Army Wives
2. What is your favorite RMA memory: Being a two-time tennis state champion
3. What do you do in your free time: Attend Mari Robin and Frances’s tennis matches, volunteer at organizations such as Meals on Wheels, exercise on the Peleton, stay involved at First Presbyterian Church, and hang out with friends
4. Who are your role models: My parents and grandparents because they taught me what really matters
5. Who is your favorite child: Scout (our dog)
6. What was your favorite class at RMA: Mrs. Dawson’s English class
7. Who was your favorite teacher at RMA: Mr. Proctor. I do not remember any of the Chemistry he taught me, but I will always remember his life lessons