We are proud to share the exciting news that Atticus Stephens, a senior at River City Science Academy Middle-High, has been accepted to the University of Florida, one of the nation’s most respected and prestigious universities.

Atticus’s high school journey has been truly impressive. Throughout his time at RCSA, he has demonstrated strong academic dedication and perseverance by completing 9 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 8 dual enrollment classes. With a current weighted GPA of 4.5789, Atticus has consistently challenged himself with rigorous coursework and has worked hard to achieve this remarkable milestone.

Atticus’s success extends beyond the classroom as well. His commitment, maturity, and clear sense of purpose have made him a valued member of our school community and a positive role model for his peers.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Atticus for a short interview to learn more about his experiences, future goals, and reflections on this exciting accomplishment:

What was your first reaction when you found out you got accepted to University of Florida?

I was ecstatic! This had been a goal I had dedicated myself to for four years. I poured so much time and effort into achieving it, so finally reaching this milestone was a joy unlike anything I had experienced before.

What do you plan to study at UF, and what excites you most about it?

I plan to study environmental science alongside a pre-law track, creating a path that allows me to actively engage in environmental protection. What excites me most is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on issues that future generations will look back on.

What activities or experiences do you think helped your application stand out?

I believe the experiences that helped my application stand out were my leadership roles, speaking engagements, and initiative-based projects. Leadership roles included positions in student council and other official titles. Speaking roles, such as debate and Model United Nations, allowed me to hone my skills as a public speaker. Finally, initiative roles like helping run or create clubs demonstrated my commitment to taking action, which really stands out to colleges. If I were to recommend a program student should join to stand out to colleges, it would be Debate, Ignite, and Student Council.

What role did River City Science Academy play in shaping your academic journey?

I have been a student at RCSA since first grade, and though there have been highs and lows, I wouldn’t change a thing. The staff and teachers genuinely cared about my growth as a student, and I have built more meaningful connections here than anywhere else in my life. I will always carry a piece of RCSA with me as a reminder of what it feels like to be surrounded by people who want the best for you.

How would you describe the learning environment at River City Science Academy?

The learning environment at RCSA is unique and a bit untraditional, which makes it special. Every teacher brings something different, so you never know what to expect on the first day of school. For me, this unpredictability brings excitement. Part of learning in a class is learning the teacher and understanding how they want to teach you.

Were there any teachers or mentors who had a big impact on you?

One teacher who had a major impact on me was Mr. Plummer. I still remember spending lunch in his room to escape the chaos downstairs. His door was always open, and he genuinely cared about my growth, not just academically, but as a person. His teaching style is unique, funny, and unpredictable. One day we’d learn about Bird City, the next day about Communism. Every day in his class brought curiosity, laughter, and learning all at once.

What advice would you give to students dreaming of top universities?

No matter how smart you are, intelligence alone isn’t always enough. Hard work is what truly sets you apart. I was never at the top of my class, nor did I have the highest test scores, but my dedication to extracurriculars helped me stand out. College preparation doesn’t start in your senior year; it begins the moment you enter high school. The sooner you commit to your education, the sooner you can build a strong and meaningful application.

How do you hope to make a difference in the world through your education?

I have been passionate about the environment since I was young, and it is something I hold dearly. I hope to make a positive impact not only in my community but across the world. We have only one environment, and I want to contribute to protecting it for future generations.

About the University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF), founded in 1853 in Gainesville, is one of the most prestigious public research universities in the United States and the top-ranked in Florida. UF is consistently placed among the top public universities nationwide, serving over 61,000 students across its undergraduate and graduate programs. With 16 colleges, more than 120 undergraduate majors, and over 250 graduate degree options, UF is known for academic excellence, world-class research, and strong student outcomes.