We are proud to share the wonderful news that Ryan Feazel, a senior at River City Science Academy Middle-High, has been accepted to the University of North Florida (UNF)

Ryan’s high school journey has been truly impressive. Throughout his time at RCSA, he has demonstrated good academic dedication and perseverance

Ryan’s achievements extend beyond academics. His determination, maturity, and clear sense of purpose have made him a valued member of our school community and an inspiring role model for his peers.

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

Congratulations to Ryan on this outstanding milestone, and we look forward to seeing all that he will achieve at UNF!

What was your first reaction when you found out you got accepted to UNF?

When I found out I was accepted into the University of North Florida, I felt incredibly grateful, as this achievement would serve as a vital steppingstone toward my future career and open doors to many great opportunities. 

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

While at the University of North Florida I intend to study Nursing (BSN), I decided to pick this major, as I’ve always been interested in anatomy and physiology, as well as medicine. The part that excites me most is being able to meet new people and learn new things.

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

One of the things that really helped my application stand out was the fact that I am an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, which only 6% of the Scouting population ever achieves. With the knowledge that I’ve gained from being a Boy Scout such as First Aid, Camping, and Leadership skills, these tend to stick out as someone who is dependable and good at heart; along with the morals taught: to be Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

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

RIver City Science Academy played a major part in shaping my academic journey, since 6th grade in middle school and eventually up to 12th grade graduation, RCSA has instilled me with the knowledge needed to go out in the world through finances, literacy, history and government.

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

I believe that RCSA has a healthy learning environment for all to flourish, all it takes is good effort, even if you struggle, there is support to help you every step of the way, through teachers, guidance counsellors, and specialty workers. 

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

I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Viggiano’s class, as she always had a great sense of humor and kept the class lively. One of my biggest mentors would have to be one of the late teachers, Mrs. Blair, she was by far my favorite teacher at RCSA , helping me run my club, and keeping in touch whenever I needed help.

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

My advice for those of you who look to getting admitted to these competitive universities, is to show them all of what you’ve got, if it’s not test scores and good grades, show what kind of a person you really are, what kind of things you do as a person, whether it help the community, game design, drawing, show them what you’re best at.

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

Through my education I hope to nourish and save lives of the people around me.

About University of North Florida.

The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a dynamic and student-centered academic environment in Jacksonville, Florida. Known for its strong programs in business, health, and coastal biology, UNF provides students with hands-on learning opportunities, small class sizes, and close faculty support. According to U.S. News & World Report 2025 rankings, UNF is ranked among the top regional universities in the South and stands out as one of the top public universities in Florida. Its location near major employers and the Atlantic coast allows students to gain valuable internship experience while enjoying a vibrant campus life, making it a strong choice for students seeking both academic quality and real-world preparation.