This year’s graduating class has numerous stories to share to translate how special they are. The Class of 2021 has a strong list of accomplishments and includes students that will explore trades such as carpentry, automotive and more. There are also students who will go on to a two or four-year college seeking to find their career pathway or consider becoming an entrepreneur. Each student has a unique pathway and a different story. Today, we meet Jason Reif.
Mr. Reif has been a four-year starter on varsity for the RCS basketball, baseball and football teams. Currently, he’s finishing up his football career leading RCS in the Fall II athletic season. For 2021, this has been a departure from what he normally experiences playing football, or being in the classroom for that matter, during the school year - - but he’s thankful for the experience. “RCS always has your best interest at heart,” he said. “RCS is like home. It’s been a great journey from the teachers and faculty to the coaches that have worked with me since I started school. I’m excited to finish out my last year in the district and see what awaits me after graduation.”
Mr. Reif is currently reviewing opportunities to attend the following four-year schools: State University of New York at Cortland, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, State University of New York at Brockport, State University of New York at Binghamton and the University at Vermont. He contributes his overall success to his experiences in the RCS school community, and more importantly, his friends and the support of his family. He currently holds a 3.5 GPA in his academic studies.
Here’s Mr. Reif’s story told in today’s Q&A:
How are you approaching selecting a college?
I am approaching selecting a college by looking at everything that college has to offer. I take into account the size, location, offered majors, and athletic programs at each school I’m considering. Since I’ll be spending four years of my life at college, I want to make sure I pick the college that best suits me and what I’m looking to accomplish.
What impact did RCS have on you as a student-athlete?
RCS has not only given me opportunities to excel in the sports I participate in, but has also taught me many valuable life skills that I will carry with me forever. Being a student athlete at RCS teaches you how to manage your time with school and practices/games as well as how to treat others both on the field and off.
What is your most memorable moment at RCS?
My most memorable moment at RCS was when I hit my first home run on varsity baseball. It was memorable not only because the ball went over the fence, but also because of the way my teammates reacted. When members of a team are really working together and are more concerned about team success, rather than individual success, that’s when you’ll have the most fun on a sports team.
How do you envision your life in the next five years?
In the next five years, I envision myself starting a job that I hopefully love and continue doing it for a long time. Although I’m not sure what my future holds, I am looking forward to working hard and finding a career that I enjoy.
Lastly, what advice would you share with next year’s freshman class?
One piece of advice I would give to incoming freshmen is to not be afraid of branching out and trying new things. You may discover a hobby, class, or sport that you never thought you’d like but gave it a shot and ended up really enjoying it.
