Rye Valedictorian Woodruff Offers Advice To Underclassmen

RYE, NY — This year's valedictorian for the Rye High School Class of 2018 is Nora Woodruff. Patch asked Woodruff to answer a few questions about her high school experience and what she looks forward to the in the future.

1. What will you miss most about high school?
Rye High School has been an incredible experience for me. I was able try new things and find the things I love, but the best part of high school was growing up with and growing closer to incredible people. Mostly, I will miss seeing these people everyday and being a part of such a special and small community.

2. What are you looking forward to in moving on to college?
I am excited to explore an open curriculum and take advantage of the many new opportunities college has to offer. I am looking forward to meeting different people, finding what I am good at and becoming great at it.

3. What was your favorite high school class?
My favorite class at Rye was AP studio art. Coming in first period every day to paint, draw and use the creative side of my brain was a great way to start my day before sitting down to my various math and science classes.

4. What clubs or extracurriculars were you involved in?
I played tennis throughout high school before being one of the varsity captains senior year. I also participated in Rye School of Dance since I was in kindergarten. In terms of clubs, my friends and I ran an organization called Rye Angels Inc., where we organized Midnight Runs to NYC to help the homeless.

5. What advice would you give to underclassmen?
Rye High School has so much to offer, and there are so many opportunities of which you can take advantage. My advice would be to take classes that challenge you and interest you, while also finding sports or hobbies outside of school that you love. Make sure that when you look back on high school at graduation, you can say you did your best to make the most of it.

6. Any teachers/staff who stood out throughout your journey?
All of my teachers at Rye were phenomenal. My math teachers, especially Mr. Valinoti, made me fall in love with math. My physics teacher, Mrs. Leahy, served as a mentor in the classroom, and also as a sort of life coach for all of us. She always knew when we were stressed and when we needed to be pushed. Also, thanks to Rosa for making the best breakfast sandwiches every morning!

7. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I am not sure where I'll be living or what I will be doing yet, but I see myself doing something that I love where the work is both fulfilling and meaningful.

8. Tell us a fun fact about you.
Not too many people know this, but I am hearing impaired, and I wear hearing aids almost every day (when I remember).

Photo caption: Nora Woodruff. Photo credit: Courtesy.