Upper School students at Rocky Mount Academy have logged 9,519 hours of community service during their high school years, Head of Upper School Rebecca Watkins recently announced.

“RMA emphasizes three areas of importance in a young person’s life that set a strong foundation for a fulfilling life – academics, character and community,” she said. “As a matter of fact, one of our graduation requirements is 50 hours of community service during high school,” she said.

With six months still to go in their last year toward this requirement, Rocky Mount Academy seniors have logged 6,522 hours, or roughly 150 hours per senior. “We think this shows that they ‘get it,’” Watkins said. “They understand the value of doing for others, and it’s apparently something they do with pleasure because they do more than is asked of them.”

Students of all ages at Rocky Mount Academy get involved in community service. At this time of the year, all three divisions have community service projects going on for the holidays. In late summer when Hurricane Irene hit the area, Rocky Mount Academy high school students gathered all three days that school was out to help clean up yards in the neighborhood around the school. One neighbor wrote a thank you note and stated, “They were all so courteous, energetic and industrious and were so eager to be of assistance. We appreciated their help much more than any of them could ever imagine. They were a bright spot in a very overwhelming situation.”

Rocky Mount Academy Upper Schoolers have served others locally, nationally and internationally in a variety of activities. Senior Rebekah Brown started HOPE, which is a respite care program for parents with children with disabilities. Senior Emma Park has organized a tutoring program at a local school. Other students have worked in recreational camps for underprivileged children, such as Victory Lane Riding Camp and Power Zone.

“Our attention to community at RMA is two-pronged,” Head of School Beth Covolo said. “In doing this community service, not only do they help others – but they are exposed to different cultures and beliefs. It is good for young people to grasp how small this world has become. We hope these experiences might change their lives, either in where they choose to live or what they choose to do with their personal and professional lives.”