RCA Alumni Spotlight Questionnaire

1. What was your professional path after graduating?

 Upon graduating RCA, I enrolled in our local community college, SWCC, and took classes in contracting, as well as residential and commercial electricity. I took the knowledge I gained from those classes and passed the VA Class A Contractors test, the West VA Class A Contractors test, and the Tennessee Class A Contractors test.  Being licensed in the 3 neighboring states, in 1998, I launched Twin Enterprises Inc.,  a construction company specializing in custom homes, multi-family dwellings, as well as light commercial and historical preservation. In 2004, we launched our first real estate company by building and buying apartments. In 2015, I started Appalachian Millworks and Cabinetry specializing in all types of custom woodworking, cabinetry, and moldings. Also, in 2015, we franchised with Huddle House Restaurants and built and operated our own Huddle House in Richlands until selling it in 2021.  Used car super centers, a pharmacy, a medical weight loss clinic, a limo service, and a flooring store rounds out some of the businesses and professional careers we have done over the years. I have also served on the Town of Richlands IDA Board, Tazewell County Planning Commission, Clinch Valley Hospital Executive Board, and the National Bank of Blacksburg Advisory Board. I was also elected two times to the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors, and elected twice to the Senate of Virginia. I have taught Sunday School at Westside Holiness Church for over 25 years, co-directed day services at Camp Golan for 25 years, and I currently serve as the Assistant Pastor at the Richlands Tabernacle.

2. How did your academic experience guide you in your pursuits and daily life?

RCA taught me the value of setting daily, weekly, and yearly goals that I continue to do even to this day. The PACE system that allows you to work at your own pace taught me the value of not being held behind or pushed ahead by a classroom. This ability to forge ahead and sometimes slow down until I learned the lesson has helped me as a leader to recognize not everyone works at the same pace. It is crucial to be patient and work with your employees until they get it and then move on to the next level. 

3. What was your favorite activity and study subject?

Recess! I have always been competitive, and I lived for the moments I could go out and play basketball with my classmates! 

History and Biblical studies were my favorite! Bro Phillip’s class on Virginia History was my all time favorite though! He made it come to life!

4. What is your favorite memory from your time at RCA?

Field trips, chapel services, and the annual graduation play are my favorite memories! Sis. Deb Roberts was an awesome teacher and mentor. She taught us to act, and to come out of our shell. Her chapel services brought us all to tears and conviction! Sis. Brenda Horton and the Pigeon Forge day trips will always hold fond memories for me as well.

5. What was your favorite tradition at RCA? 

Going out and selling annual ads was always a blast!

Every year for Thanksgiving we dressed up as Pilgrims or Indians and had a fun day at school. I was always an Indian! 

6. What advice would you give current RCA students?

 My advice would be to focus on learning while having fun. Don’t stress out on the little things. Yes, there will be days that overwhelm you, but always remember, “this too shall pass.”  Make friends, respect your teachers, and learn to say “Thank you” always. Every day look for a kind deed you can do for someone at the school. Maybe it’s just a smile to someone that is having a bad day. Maybe it’s taking out the trash or bringing a teacher or classmate a small gift to show them you appreciate them. Whatever it is. Do it. You will never feel more better in life than when you help someone else. 

7. Any additional information you would like to be made known about your experience at RCA and the impact on your life.

My years spent at RCA have been the bedrock of my character. Hearing Bro. Phillip Horton pray, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you O, God” has been a prayer I have adopted as well. His influence on me politically showed me that Christians need to step up to the plate and be active in our government. This helped shaped me and prepare me for the Senate seat that I currently hold. Sis. Brenda Horton’s kindness and generosity made me want to give and to help others. Bro. Ralph Horton’s wisdom in dealing with situations and Sis. Debbie Robert’s burden for our spiritual well-being has impacted my life both professionally, spiritually, and mentally in how I look at things. I thank God my mother saw the need to enroll me in RCA, and I am also grateful that I took advantage of what RCA offered me. It forever changed my life.