COVID-19 has changed the current landscape of athletics in school districts across New York state. While some sports are currently on hold, others are allowed to move forward under specific guidance provided by local and state health departments. This year, the RCS District has worked to highlight student athletic and academic achievements for the 2020-21 school year. As a district, we continue to work with coaches, administrators and teachers to share the great work being completed by our students, from elementary to high school. No achievement is too big or too small.
Today, we introduce you to RCS Senior Ariyana McCoy. Ms. McCoy has been on the RCS Bowling team for the past five seasons and has excelled as both a player and in the classroom. She has been the team captain for the past two seasons and was MVP for the 2018, 2019 and 2020 campaigns. She currently carries a 92 overall average in her classes and is in the process of choosing between the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, The College of Saint Rose and the University at Albany for the fall enrollment of 2021. She plans on pursuing a degree in social work.
“I’m incredibly proud of Ariyana and the accomplishments she has achieved athletically and in today’s classroom,” said RCS Bowling Coach Megan McClave. “COVID-19 has presented students with a number of challenges, but Ariyana continues to achieve her goals and she is a proud representative of RCS.”
To learn more about her pathway to graduation, read here Q&A here:
What do you attribute to your success in today's classroom?
Firstly, I would love to attribute my success to all of the amazing teachers who have put up with me throughout the years and I am very proud that I have such an amazing support team here at RCS and at home! My mom was my biggest inspiration, throughout my childhood, and I always admired my mother purely for the fact that she was always working so hard to make sure that we had food on the table, clothes on our back and a roof over our heads. I can remember that from a young age, that I wanted to work so hard to make sure that I can be the best person that I can be. In addition to my upbringing, I have been very fortunate to be a part of this district where teachers go beyond the classroom to help their students. Just during my high school career alone, I was also very fortunate to be able to develop more one-on-one relationships with the teachers and be able to receive all of the love and support, and advice for the future.
What experience do you highlight during your time at RCS? What teacher/coach influenced you the most?
During my time here at RCS, I feel that the opportunity to build one-on-one relationships with teachers throughout my educational career has made my time at RCS a positive experience.
Throughout my time in high school, this one teacher really stuck out to me and was honestly amazing from the get-go. Many may know him as the teacher who tends to go beyond the classroom, adjusts to our level as students, and treats us just like his own kids. Mr. Schipano has influenced me to be the best person that I can be in the past four years and become confident in myself. I am grateful to say that he is the type of teacher that goes above and beyond for his students.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
In five years from now, I see myself finishing up my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and beginning my Master's Degree in Social Work and starting my internship. I definitely plan on joining an adult bowling league and continuing with my bowling career.