Summer Rudish Exemplifies All-Around Excellence

Summer Rudish defines the term “well-rounded student,” excelling academically as well as in music, sports and Huntington High School’s extracurricular club program. The senior has earned admirers and close friends at every turn and will graduate next June with the respect and affection of faculty members, coaches and advisors.

“During my years in Huntington I have met so many great people and have gotten to experience so much,” Ms. Rudish said. “I am truly thankful for all I’ve been able to accomplish here.”

The senior is currently enrolled four Advanced Placement courses and a pair of honors classes including AP English Literature & Composition, AP Microeconomics, AP Calculus, AP Government, honors French and honors physics and band. Ms. Rudish has taken nine AP courses over the years.

The teenager is considering majoring in biology in college, with the possibility of going into a pre-med program. She hasn’t settled on a particular university just yet. “Though I’m anxious for what is to come in the future, I am excited,” Ms. Rudish said. “In the meantime, I am trying to soak up every moment and enjoy it.”

As Ms. Rudish makes her way around Huntington High School she typically has a smile on her face and a warm word for the friends she passes in the hallway. She’s a popular young woman who is held in high esteem by students and teachers alike.

“My favorite classes have been AP US History with Mr. [Kenneth] Donovan, Algebra 2 Trig with Ms. [Patricia] Tagliente, and AP Biology with Mrs. ‘[Deborah] Beck,” Ms. Rudish said earlier this fall. “All three teachers are marvelous and I still constantly come back to these teachers for guidance and wisdom.” 

Class presence is cherished

Huntington High School teachers cherish Ms. Rudish’s presence in their classes. “Summer is a kind, friendly and outgoing person,” Ms. Tagliente said. “She is always willing to help others in need, but also recognizes when to ask for help. Summer exemplifies hard work, dedication and commitment to both school and athletics.”

“Summer Rudish is a mature, charismatic and motivated student,” Ms. Beck said. “She came to AP Biology every day with a smile on her face and ready to learn. Summer is an ideal student who has a thirst for knowledge and natural curiosity that serve her well in any science course.  Summer is an excellent role model for her peers. She works hard, gets excellent grades, and enjoys herself along the way.”

 Ms. Rudish sets high goals for herself and has shown a willingness to work hard and sacrifice to accomplish what she sets out to do. She regularly attends extra help and study sessions and doesn’t cut any corners.

“Summer was such a pleasure to have as a student,” Mr. Donovan said. “She is always positive and upbeat and was an integral part of the class as she was a consistent participant in our discussions, sharing ideas and raising thoughtful questions. Most importantly for me, she came to class every day with a desire to learn, a curiosity that few have, and was thankful for the learning opportunity presented to her each and every day, never taking it for granted. She also had a habit of leaving class every day with a ‘thank you.’ I could not ask for any more from a student.”

By any measure, the teenager has already achieved a great deal. Ms. Rudish has been inducted into a long list of honor societies and is the vice-president of Huntington’s Nathan Hale chapter of the National Honor Society. She is a member of the Key Club, Habitat for Humanity and the high school’s wind ensemble.

“I am most adamant about Habitat for Humanity, for which I am secretary,” Ms. Rudish said about the organization she traveled to New Orleans with as a junior to help rebuild that city following its destruction by Hurricane Katrina.

Ms. Rudish has been appointed an event chair for next spring’s Relay For Life, “which I cannot be more excited for,” she said. The senior is planning the huge event along with classmates and fellow event chairs Caitilin Yabroudy, Olivia Palmer and Hector Alvarado.

“An inspiring individual”

“Summer is such an inspiring individual,” said Nikki Smoot, a member of Huntington’s Class of 2013 and last year’s National Honor Society chapter president. “I had the honor of getting to know her through Habitat for Humanity and Relay For Life. Summer is a very important part of both organizations and is always ready to help out in any way she can. She is such a good person at heart and has so much potential. I’m very fortunate to be able to call her one of my best friends. She is extremely fun to be around and always has a big smile on her face. I cannot wait to see her excel in college next year. I am certain she will continue to do amazing things.”  

Ms. Rudish has played four years of high school soccer, including the past three on the varsity team. “I have been through all the ups and downs with this team so I’m ecstatic to see us be successful in my senior year,” she said about the Blue Devil squad that reached the Section XI playoffs this fall.

In her free time the senior plays for the Northport/Cow Harbor Strikers, a premier local soccer team. “Soccer has always played an important role in my life and I plan on continuing to play on some type of team in college,” Ms. Rudish said. 

“Summer and I were on the soccer team together,” said Stephanie Rafuse, who served as president of Huntington’s Class of 2013. “She’s an incredible athlete and a great person. I wish her the best as she continues onto college!”

One of the most unforgettable experiences of the teenager’s high school career was traveling to New Orleans with Huntington’s Habitat for Humanity chapter. “Being able to go down there with the group and help build someone’s home was a wonderful experience,” Ms. Rudish said. “I loved being part of something so much bigger than myself, especially because I have never done anything like this before. I am extremely excited for this year’s trip!”

“Always fun to be around”

“Although I haven't known Summer for long, we quickly became friends from Relay For Life and Habitat for Humanity,” said senior Olivia Palmer, who serves as president of the National Honor Society chapter. “She’s always fun to be around as well as a loyal and caring friend. When I first met Summer, I recognized her determination and upbeat attitude immediately. Although I’ll miss her when we graduate this year, I know she'll go on to accomplish great things.”

Vice-president of the National Honor Society, treasurer of the French Honor Society and a member of the Math, Science and English honor societies, Ms. Rudish is an academic powerhouse.

“Summer is one of the most hardworking, outgoing and dedicated girls that I’ve ever met,” senior Caitlin Yabroudy said. “If you give Summer a task, there’s no doubt that she will get it accomplished in record time. Summer is extremely involved with Habitat for Humanity, and although I am not a huge part of that group, I am lucky enough to work with her on Relay! I cannot wait to work side-by-side with her and the two other co-chairs on the 2014 Relay because it is going to be ever better than last! Anyone that has the chance to work with such a passionate person like Summer should consider themselves lucky because she’s not a person you can find every day!”

Ms. Rudish even found time to row on the crew team for two years. “I absolutely loved crew,” she said. “It was hard work, but trying a completely new sport and being able to meet all these great people have made it an unforgettable experience.” 

Through classes, clubs and sports, Ms. Rudish has forged many friendships and enjoyed many happy times. Some of those friends have graduated and left for college, but the relationships remain strong.

“An amazing friend”

“I met Summer through Habitat for Humanity and Relay for Life,” said Emily Coleman, a member of Huntington’s Class of 2013. “She is one of the most outgoing and caring people I know. She always gives 100 percent to everything she does. Not only does she care about our community, but she is an amazing friend. I know I can always count on her. I know she will go far in life.” 

It’s somewhat of a mystery how Ms. Rudish manages to squeeze so many classes and activities into a single 24-hour day while maintaining such high standards for herself. “I must admit I have stretched myself too thin at times, but I couldn’t be happier looking back on all of it,” she said. “I would love to do even more, but there are just so many hours in the day.”

Despite all of the demands on her time, Ms. Rudish gives each activity all she can. “Summer was always committed to Key Club and constantly made sure she contributed to events,” said Samantha Levine, a member of Huntington’s Class of 2013 and last year’s Key Club president. “We even awarded her with the best attendance award at the end of the year last year!” 

As she nears the end of time at Huntington High School, Ms. Rudish has some advice for incoming freshmen: “Try something new,” she said. “These four years go by so fast, so enjoy and make the best of it all.”