SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Celebrating the Class of 2022
Elijah McCray
Why did you decide to attend NCVA?
I, along with my mom and dad, decided that I join NCVA when it first opened when I was going into sixth grade. I had been left behind in my local school. We believed NCVA would be a school where with hard work and dedication I would be able to reach my full potential. I liked the idea of a flexible schedule and a stress-free environment.
How has being a student at NCVA helped you in working toward your goals?
Being a student at NCVA has helped me obtain a great education, meet new people from all over North Carolina, and given me many opportunities for flexibility. The flexibility of the class schedule has allowed me to work at my hobbies and have more time to learn new skills.
What do you plan to do after you graduate from high school?
After graduation I plan to attend college at Western Carolina University and major in Computer Science. I find computers interesting.
What advice would you give other students on getting through high school?
- Never get behind on schoolwork- it will put you under a lot of unneeded stress
- Practice good self-care
- Always do your best in school - doing so will allow you to have many opportunities to get the job or career you want
- Be involved in all your classes and take notes.
- Never be afraid to ask for help. Ask your teacher, learning coach, or your classmates
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy traveling to different places, playing video games, listening to audio books, learning about history, bike riding, and listening to music. My favorite books are fantasy/Science fiction. One place I hope to visit is Europe to see all the historical sites and see the architecture of the cities.
Have you completed any volunteer work?
Yes. I have been a boy scout since first grade, which gave me many opportunities to volunteer. I have volunteered at community kitchens, veteran ceremonies, and for community service projects. My biggest adventure in volunteering was my service project for my Eagle Scout project.
Do you have a role model or someone that inspires you?
My brothers are my role models. They inspire me to do my best at everything I do. My brothers have already gone to college. They worked hard and did well in school, which now inspires me. They worked to become Eagle Scouts, and now I have became an Eagle Scout as well.
What is your favorite book? Favorite Movie?
My favorite book is Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien. The genre is fantasy fiction, and the Silmarillion has a lot of lore which makes it very good. My favorite movie is the Lord of the Rings, which is based on the book written by J.R.R. Tolkien. I have watched the Lord of the Rings many times.