Amelia McCarthy, a senior at NC, inspires her peers daily with her unwavering kindness and exceptional work ethic. Over the years, she has earned recognition as a true superstar, not only for her outstanding grades but also for her enthusiastic involvement in school activities. As a straight-A student actively engaged in numerous extracurriculars such as Miracle Club and the Tennis Team, she undoubtedly follows the path to a bright future as a general surgeon.

McCarthy knew what she wanted to do from a young age. In her Awtrey Middle School business class, she took a field trip to the Chick-fil-A headquarters. Throughout the visit, she noticed Chick-fil-A’s impact on her community. She became fascinated with the stores’ operations and knew she wanted to work there. This trip inspired her to submit her application to the Acworth Chick-fil-A establishment right after she turned 16, the youngest age that the company employs. Jordyn Zignego, a teammate of hers on the Tennis Team also worked there when McCarthy went through the application and interviewing process, helping her along the way. 

“Chick-fil-A has taught me a lot about how to get yourself motivated to help serve others. At Chick-fil-A we’re always focusing on taking care of our guests and knowing that we can make a positive impact on our community is really important to me. Chick-fil-A’s goals and morals reflect my own and it’s nice to work in a place that I fundamentally agree with,” McCarthy said.

 Since joining as a Team Member in July 2022, McCarthy’s drive to impact others through her growth, leadership and commitment to creating a positive impact on her community and peers helped earn her way to the managerial Team Leader role. In the summer of 2023, McCarthy became a Certified Trainer, where she takes pride in teaching new hires the importance of genuine hospitality and helping them acclimate to Chick-fil-A’s culture of positivity and teamwork. By 2024, her responsibilities expanded further as she began participating in marketing events and even taking on the role of the beloved mascot: the Chick-fil-A cow. The summer before her senior year marked another milestone when McCarthy became a Team Leader. In this role, she now helps lead shifts, ensure exceptional guest care and set goals to guide her team toward success. 

“Amelia is one of the most kindhearted and genuine people I have met. She is always willing to step up and help someone, no matter who and no matter with what. She is so fun to be around and is always a pleasure to talk to,” magnet junior Lena Gray said.

Throughout her employment at Chick-fil-A, McCarthy participated in a series of unforgettable events, such as the Peach Bowl. Participating in the Chick-fil-A branding at this year’s Peach Bowl proved an unforgettable experience for McCarthy, allowing her to connect with a talented and supportive team — creating incredible memories along the way. One of McCarthy’s favorite aspects in her role as the Chick-fil-A cow remains the joy it brings to others. She finds immense happiness in seeing people’s faces light up when the iconic mascot approaches for a high-five, a warm hug or a playful skit. These moments of connection, whether with children, families or sports fans, perfectly embody Chick-fil-A’s mission of spreading positivity and creating meaningful memories. For McCarthy, the experience represented a brand, but she also embraced the opportunity to create joy and lasting impressions during a cherished community event. This accomplishment reinforced her passion for the company’s values, leaving her eager to continue spreading smiles and positivity through her work.

“Amelia is the kind of person who radiates kindness in every interaction. Her smile is warm and genuine, making everyone around her feel comfortable and valued. She always takes the time to listen, offering thoughtful advice or a word of encouragement whenever it’s needed. Whether she’s helping a friend or working with a team, Amelia’s empathy shines through in everything she does, creating a positive atmosphere that brings out the best in others. Her sweetness is not just in her words but in her actions, always showing up for people without hesitation,” senior Gabby Larson said.

McCarthy’s journey proves a testament to the power of determination, leadership and her genuine desire to positively impact others. From excelling academically and inspiring her peers at NC, to advancing through the ranks at Chick-fil-A, McCarthy proves herself as a role model for hard work and kindness. Whether leading shifts as a Team Leader, mentoring new hires or spreading joy as the Chick-fil-A cow, her dedication to excellence and service shines through in everything she does. As she looks ahead to the future, McCarthy’s unwavering commitment to growth and community ensures that her impact will only continue to grow.