Rockingham County Schools News Release • May 29, 2025
Rockingham County Schools is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements and bright futures of the Class of 2025. In this special Senior Spotlight series, Rockingham County Schools highlight students from Rockingham County High School who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, resilience, and school spirit throughout their high school journey.
Each student featured in these spotlights shares their unique story, accomplishments, and plans for the future. We’re honored to help celebrate their success and share these personal profiles with our community.
Be sure to scroll through the full spotlight to see all of this year’s inspiring seniors from Rockingham County High School.
Kaylie Ratcliffe
My name is Kaylie Ratcliffe, and for the past three years, I have been dual-enrolled at Rockingham County High School and Rockingham Community College, working to complete both my high school diploma and Associate in Arts. At the end of my freshman year, I decided to begin incorporating college coursework into my schedule to do this. It was a big decision to make as a freshman, and I knew that it was a large challenge to take on, as I had already witnessed my older sister accomplish this. For the past few years, balancing high school and college classes meant spending lots of time both in and out of the classroom, working on assignments for my college classes to make sure they got done. My knowledge has been put to the test, and there have been many times when I found myself struggling to keep up. I was pushed to keep up with the standards held by my college professors, and I often had to take time out of my own schedule to learn topics that I was expected to know, but had not yet been taught in high school.
Now, less than a month away from graduating with both my Associate in Arts and high school diploma, I look back with gratitude. I am glad that I took advantage of the opportunity to push myself academically and make something special of myself. Nevertheless, it is important to mention that without the support of my family, I would not have been able to accomplish all that I have. All the help from my parents and sister has allowed me to become the person I am today. I am proud and honored to share that after graduating from Rockingham County High School and Rockingham Community College, I will be attending the United States Naval Academy. I plan to study Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
Olivia Walker
Hello, my name is Olivia Walker, and I am currently a senior at Rockingham County
High School. Throughout my time as a senior, I have faced many highs, and many lows. Firstly, I am planning on majoring in Musical Theater in the fall, and the audition process was definitely no walk in the park. After being rejected from a few theater programs, it was hard not to get discouraged and let my worth be determined by my acceptances. This is especially heightened when you are constantly seeing videos of people getting into their dream programs, and you wonder why you can’t have the same experience. Thankfully, that period in my college experience is over, and I can honestly say that it has made me so much stronger as a performer and a person. It reminded me to just put my phone down and focus on the people around me who have been so supportive throughout this whole journey. Now that I am fully committed to East Carolina’s Musical Theatre program, all of my hard work has finally paid off, and I am excited to start school in the fall.
Now that the sappy stuff is out of the way, it’s time to discuss the fun parts of senior year! This year, I have participated in many senior activities such as painting senior jeans to wear on the first day of school, senior sunrise, and cheering after homecoming court during the football game. Even though these activities were awesome, I would have to say my favorite senior event was definitely prom. I had so much fun with my friends, and I felt like it was the perfect final school dance. Seeing everyone dressed up and having fun made me even more thankful for the community I live in. I am also looking forward to being in RCHS’s production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, May 2-4. This is my first princess role as Cinderella, and I have grown so close to my castmates throughout the rehearsal process. As my senior year comes to a close, I am sad to leave this era of my life behind, but excited for the future!
Lastly, I would like to discuss some really cool honors I have received this year. I was recently awarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship at East Carolina University. I was also selected to be a member of the Theater and Dance Living Learning Community next fall. Receiving these honors is like tying a perfect bow around my senior year and left me with so much to look forward to. After all of the positive things that have happened to me, the disappointment I felt at the beginning of the year are distant memories! My advice to any student who is about to begin their college application process would be to remember that rejection is a part of life, but it does not need to define you or the way your year goes. I would also like to remind any upcoming seniors to slow down, enjoy spending time with your family and friends, while staying focused on the future… especially when things get stressful. I cannot wait to see what the fall of 2025 holds, and I’d like to wish my graduating classmates the very best in their future endeavors. GO PIRATES!
Nate Revis
Hi, my name is Nathaniel Revis, and I go by Nate. I am currently a senior at Rockingham County High School. After graduation, I plan to attend NC State University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a focus on Life Sciences, with aspirations of becoming a physical therapist or athletic trainer. Although I have not yet received any scholarships, I have applied for several and am optimistic about my chances. Throughout my high school career, I have experienced significant academic success and achievements. I have been a member of the Beta Club since my freshman year, where I participated in numerous service projects, including volunteering at the Humane Society in Eden and assisting at the soup kitchen in Reidsville. Additionally, I was inducted into the National Honor Society during my junior year, where I engaged in various service activities such as running concessions at sporting events, setting up the gym for volleyball and basketball games, and coaching my brother’s recreational basketball team. I also had the honor of being selected as a Junior Marshal, contributing to the senior awards ceremony and graduation practice. In addition to my academic accomplishments, I have been actively involved in sports throughout high school. I competed in varsity cross country during my freshman and sophomore years, qualifying for regionals both times. I played on the junior varsity basketball team in my sophomore year, where I earned the MVP award, and transitioned to varsity in my senior year. My primary sport, however, has always been baseball. I played junior varsity during my freshman year and moved up to varsity for my sophomore, junior, and senior years. Throughout my time on the team, we have consistently made the state playoffs and were conference champions for the last two years. I have received recognition as an all-conference player twice and have been named to all-tournament teams twice, serving as team captain as well. While I have not faced significant trials, balancing schoolwork and athletics has presented some challenges and stress. I took Advanced Placement courses during my junior year and am currently enrolled in AP classes, which require substantial dedication and time management to complete assignments while preparing for games. One notable challenge occurred during my junior year when I sustained an arm injury in the middle of the baseball season. This injury, possibly due to overuse or bad luck, sidelined me and required physical therapy. Initially, this setback felt overwhelming, but it ultimately guided me toward my career aspirations.
Experiencing the work of physical therapists firsthand solidified my desire to pursue this path. Overall, my high school journey has been enjoyable and eventful, and I eagerly anticipate continuing my education and embarking on a new chapter at NC State University.
James Gross
My name is James Gross, and I am a senior at Rockingham County High School. My career in school has been one I will always remember. I have dealt with many highs and some lows to get to where I am, and I would not trade it for anything. High school has been a highly rewarding experience in which I played football all four years. I experienced injuries and setbacks, however I persevered on and continued to do my best in every aspect of my life. Football was by far the largest part of my high school career. It was where I spent most of my time, so it was bittersweet for it to come to an end this year. I also participated in clubs all throughout school, such as Beta Club and I eventually became the President of the National Honors Society for my senior year.
Becoming the President of this esteemed club has been my biggest achievement, as well as my biggest challenge, and it has been extraordinarily rewarding. We have served the community, as well as my school, in numerous ways, such as planning and participating in a Trunk-or-Treat for members of the community, as well as organizing a community-wide Easter Egg Hunt. I have learned several valuable lessons, like public speaking, leadership, delegation, planning, and coordination. This year, trying to add on choosing my next steps in life on top of handling college classes, AP classes, and everything I have already mentioned, along with a part-time job, has been challenging. I completed everything to the best of my ability, and did work I can be proud of forever. I am extremely grateful to everyone in my life who helped my school journey to be less eventful, in a good way, as it has allowed me to be in the best position possible to succeed. Therefore, I will further my education at Appalachian State University to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Management. I have earned the Appalachian Excellence Scholarship and have applied for countless others. Overall, I am extremely grateful and blessed for the smooth path I have had during my school career, and I will one day look back on this time with very fond memories!
Favor Addo
My name is Favor Addo, and harmony and hardship have shaped my journey at Rockingham County High School. When I moved to Rockingham County as a sophomore, I worried about fitting into a new community. But the warmth of my classmates and teachers quickly eased those fears, and I found my way in RCHS.
Joining the Concert Choir became a turning point. Last year, I earned a spot at the All-West Honors Choir, where I sang alongside literally over a hundred talented students from across the state. That moment reminded me how far I’d come.
Yet high school wasn’t without struggles. My junior year tested me with a relentless workload, and procrastination often left me scrambling to meet deadlines. Through trial and error, I learned to break tasks into smaller steps, ask for help, and prioritize self-compassion over perfection.
This fall, I’ll take those lessons at my chosen University, where I’ll study criminology. My goal is to advocate for justice and equity, inspired by the same community that taught me the power of lifting others up.
Shikha Patel
Ever since I was in 7th grade, I held onto a dream of studying in an American high school that has now turned into the most meaningful chapter of my life.
My name is Shikha Patel, and my journey from India to the United States has been filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable memories. Moving to a whole new country was not easy at all. It was one of the biggest changes in my life. Settling into a different culture came with its struggles- adjusting to new food, a new language, different people, and an unfamiliar way of life. But even through the hard moments, I have come a long way, and today, I feel proud to share my high school journey.
Studying in both Indian and American schools has been a unique experience that has shaped me in different ways. In India, the school environment was more formal, with a strong focus on discipline, uniforms, and academic performance through memorization and exams. In contrast, schools in the USA are more relaxed and creative, encouraging students to express themselves, explore different subjects through projects, and participate in clubs and sports. While Indian schools emphasized respect for teachers and traditional values, American schools provided more freedom and used technology in everyday learning. Both systems have their strengths, and I’m grateful to have experienced the best of both worlds.
One of the most unforgettable parts of my high school journey in the United States has been attending prom. It reminds me of similar celebrations in India, where we wear traditional clothing, enjoy cultural music, and celebrate with friends. During my junior year, I chose to wear a traditional Indian outfit to prom- it was a proud moment for me to represent my culture in a new environment. The warm compliments I received made me feel confident and appreciated. For my senior prom, I’m excited to embrace a new experience by wearing a traditional American prom dress for the first time. It’s a way for me to connect with the culture I have grown to love. Another highlight has been playing tennis, a sport that has taught me discipline, teamwork, and helped me make lasting friendships. More than anything, it’s the people I have met people who are kind, helpful, and understanding- who have made this journey truly special. Their support and encouragement have made my transition smoother and my high school experience deeply meaningful, and I will carry these memories with me forever.
After high school, I’m excited to pursue my dream of becoming a fashion designer. Growing up in India and then moving to the United States gave me a unique perspective on style and culture. I have always loved styling outfits and imagining designs that tell a story. My goal is to create fashion that blends the beauty of Indian traditions- like embroidery, fabrics, and patterns– with the bold, modern creativity of American style. I want my designs to reflect both cultures and connect people through clothing that’s meaningful, artistic, and unique. In the last two years, my life has changed more than I ever imagined. I have stepped into a new world, learned things far beyond adventures, and grown in ways I never thought possible. I turned uncertainty into strengths and new experiences into lifelong memories. This journey was not just about school- it was about realizing who I am and who I want to become.
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