Rachel Berenson

Highlands High School student Rachel Berenson has seen more of the world than many adults. As an ambassador of the People to People Student Ambassador Program she has traveled to Greece, Italy, Paris and London.” It really opens your eyes and makes you really want to understand other cultures,” she explained enthusiastically. The program gives students opportunity to travel abroad several weeks during the summer months. Prior to the trip students learn about the different cultures they will visit, travel tips and how to work together as a group. After speaking with Rachel, I think that she was a wonderful choice to represent the youth in the Alle-Kiski Valley. Her genuine and warm personality instantly makes you comfortable.

Not surprisingly, Rachel excels in academics. She attends all honors classes and is a member of the NHS where she must maintain a 90% grade point average. She is also a member of the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program. As part of this she goes to enrichment activities and competitions against other high schools where she faces a variety trivia questions. Rachel has participated in the Science Bowl, Presidents Bowl and the Academic Triathlon where there are three rounds of general knowledge questions. “It challenges us to go above and beyond in our learning.” Rachel is also a tutor through GATE at the Highlands Elementary School where she challenges gifted youth in mathematics.

Another of her interests is French. She has studied the language four years and hopes one day to have opportunity to study abroad. She is a member of the foreign language club, which is new to Highlands this year. The French, German and Spanish Clubs joined together for this new venture.

She is also very active in the sports arena. Starting at a young age at the local pool, Rachel began developing her swimming skills. Now she is captain of the high school swim team. In addition to swimming, she also is an avid tennis player. She really puts a lot of time in this her favorite sport. Besides playing on the school team she spends any free time practicing with her sister Brianna. “We are a pretty good team.” Last year she was the section alternate and this year her sister and her were the alternates for doubles. Rachel also finds time to do volunteer work at her church, Our Lady Most Blessed Sacrament in Natrona Heights. She has also been very active in their youth group for the past three years. The church presents a passion play for Good Friday each year and she is very excited to have gotten the part of narrator this year. “I always watched it as a kid and wanted to one day be in it.”

I asked Rachel how she managed to do it all. With such an intense academic commitment, volunteer work and sports; how did she manage to make it all work. “It’s easy,” explained Rachel. It is all a matter of learning how to schedule your time. She carefully picks out what she will be involved with and makes sure that nothing overlaps. “Some people want to join everything but you just can’t do it.” This has worked very well and she has managed to excel in every area of her life.

So, what does the future hold? With so many options available in life Rachel is undecided on what she would like to pursue in college. She has such an incredible passion for learning new things that it is hard right now to pin point one area of study. She did however choose to attend Allegheny College in Meadville. Rachel felt really drawn to the school. “I fell in love with it, they have a lot to do there.” Although her choice of study is uncertain she definitely wants to continue with her tennis career while there. During our interview I found that she an excellent speaker; very confident in what she believes. She also appears to have a great passion for teaching and helping others. I’m sure that whatever choice she makes for her future it will benefit many others.

To watch the video, go to http://www.alle-kiskitoday.com/webcasts/1308