Amaria Wilkinson

Senior Amaria Wilkinson didn’t necessarily have Roger Bacon as her top choice when she was ready to graduate from St. Gabriel Consolidated School four years ago. However, her shadow day helped her find her new home. “When I shadowed, the students made me feel like I was already part of the RB community,” shared Amaria. “It really felt like a second family, and everyone was so welcoming that day, including the teachers.”

During her time at Roger Bacon, Amaria has been involved with Community Outreach, Student Senate, Senior Leaders, Girls Basketball, and Softball. Her favorite class is Anatomy and Physiology, and although she has many teachers that she loved, she has to give the nod to Mr. Steven Smith as her favorite. “Truly all of the teachers at RB are the best, and all of them at one time have been my favorite. What I like about Mr. Smith is he makes everything so interesting, and will always put a smile on your face.”

Although she has had many highlights at Roger Bacon, Amaria notes the friendly culture as her favorite Roger Bacon trait. “No matter where you go, there is always someone to say ‘hello’ to weather its olds friends, new friends, a friendly face, or a teacher, or even someone totally new, you will never go through the halls without seeing a smile,” explains Amaria. Among her favorite highlights is also the trip to Spain and France she took with her classmates last summer.

Outside of school, Amaria volunteers at the Mt. Healthy Food Pantry, and also volunteers her time at Girls with Grit, a non-profit organization that offers sports-centered Spring Clinics and Summer Programs designed to empower young girls both on and off the playing field. Says Amaria, “Our saying is ‘I am my best’ and I love being able to help young girls in our community build confidence in themselves while playing sports and making friends. I started as a ‘camper’ in 2016 then became a mentor in 2021. I love it!”

As senior year winds down, Amaria is looking to make the most of her last few weeks as a Roger Bacon student. ‘I want to go out strong academically. I am really looking forward to senior lock-in, all of the activities for seniors during senior week, and of course, graduation,” says Amaria.

Next year, Amaria will be attending Ohio University to study athletic training. “I picked OU because I was looking for a place where I could be my own self and feel like I had a supportive community of people behind me. Which makes it a lot like RB,” shares Amaria. “I chose athletic training as my major because it allows me to be involved in the sports field, and I thought my experience with sports injuries would help me to make connections with the athletes and understand what they are going through.”

As she prepares to exit the halls of Roger Bacon as a graduate, Amaria has advice for potential future Spartans. “Roger Bacon is a special place. Take advantage of all of the great opportunities that are present. Try new things, meet new people, because there are so many wonderful things in store for you,” explains Amaria. “The RB community is always welcoming, and will always let you be yourself as you grow up over the next four years. This is a community that is built on real connections. I am so proud that I will be a Roger Bacon graduate!”