Dylan Keusch '19
What things are you involved in at Rivers?
I’m involved with a lot of different clubs and organizations around campus. First, I serve as the school co-president, which means I'm in charge of student council. In addition, I am co-president of the DECA club, so I'm responsible for all of the activities and competitions associated with DECA. We have about 30 members who participate in business competitions ranging from the local to international level. I write for The Rivers Edge (the school newspaper), and when I can make it, I participate in Model UN. Finally, I play trumpet in the Honors Big Band.
Back
I’m involved with a lot of different clubs and organizations around campus. First, I serve as the school co-president, which means I'm in charge of student council. In addition, I am co-president of the DECA club, so I'm responsible for all of the activities and competitions associated with DECA. We have about 30 members who participate in business competitions ranging from the local to international level. I write for The Rivers Edge (the school newspaper), and when I can make it, I participate in Model UN. Finally, I play trumpet in the Honors Big Band.
What is your favorite class?
I would say that my AP Government and Politics class this year has been one of the best classes I've ever taken at Rivers. I feel really passionate about topics related to government and politics, so having a class that dives deeper into the subject matter has been incredibly interesting. Part of what I've really enjoyed about this class is looking at government and politics from a global perspective. Every night, we are required to read at least one news article and have a general sense of what is going on in the world around us. We begin each class by sharing the articles that we read the night before. The curriculum has exposed us to conversations about the future of political parties, debates over judicial theory, voting trends, and more. It also helps that Mr. Mills is an amazing teacher! I love this class so much that I can honestly say I am excited to go to class each and every time.
I would say that my AP Government and Politics class this year has been one of the best classes I've ever taken at Rivers. I feel really passionate about topics related to government and politics, so having a class that dives deeper into the subject matter has been incredibly interesting. Part of what I've really enjoyed about this class is looking at government and politics from a global perspective. Every night, we are required to read at least one news article and have a general sense of what is going on in the world around us. We begin each class by sharing the articles that we read the night before. The curriculum has exposed us to conversations about the future of political parties, debates over judicial theory, voting trends, and more. It also helps that Mr. Mills is an amazing teacher! I love this class so much that I can honestly say I am excited to go to class each and every time.
What advice would you offer to new students to help them get the most out of their Rivers experience?
My advice is to take advantage of the unbelievable faculty at Rivers. The faculty has been the most supportive, caring, and passionate group of people I have ever come across. While most middle and high school students go to school and view their teachers as just people who give assignments and hand out grades, students at Rivers see their teachers as friends too. I can’t count the number of times I have sat down for some extra help and wound up in conversations about my swimming or how the Big Band is doing that year. Teachers at Rivers genuinely care about you as a person and about your life outside of school. Each of them takes the time to get to know their students. More than anything, though, teachers at Rivers want you to succeed and will do anything to make sure you do.
My advice is to take advantage of the unbelievable faculty at Rivers. The faculty has been the most supportive, caring, and passionate group of people I have ever come across. While most middle and high school students go to school and view their teachers as just people who give assignments and hand out grades, students at Rivers see their teachers as friends too. I can’t count the number of times I have sat down for some extra help and wound up in conversations about my swimming or how the Big Band is doing that year. Teachers at Rivers genuinely care about you as a person and about your life outside of school. Each of them takes the time to get to know their students. More than anything, though, teachers at Rivers want you to succeed and will do anything to make sure you do.
What is your favorite extracurricular activity?
Big Band is, hands down, my favorite extracurricular activity. I have been able to meet people that I never would have otherwise. There’s nothing like going to class and being able to do something you love, namely, play music. For anyone who is thinking about playing an instrument, do it! It’s the best decision I made at Rivers.
Big Band is, hands down, my favorite extracurricular activity. I have been able to meet people that I never would have otherwise. There’s nothing like going to class and being able to do something you love, namely, play music. For anyone who is thinking about playing an instrument, do it! It’s the best decision I made at Rivers.
How has Rivers shaped you as a person?
I feel like Rivers has made me the leader that I am today. When I came to Rivers in 6th grade, I was a shy, quiet boy who never really wanted to step out of his comfort zone. I knew I had a desire to lead and make a difference, but I was too afraid to take risks. Rivers provided a safe place where, suddenly, I wasn't as scared because I knew if I failed, someone would always have my back. Now, seven years later, I find that I am a completely different person. I take on leadership roles in and out of the classroom, and that's due in large part to the education I’ve received here. Rivers has taught me to embrace those moments that may feel uncomfortable because they are teaching moments. Rivers has also shown me that risks can often turn into rewards, so it's always worth it to go for what you want!
I feel like Rivers has made me the leader that I am today. When I came to Rivers in 6th grade, I was a shy, quiet boy who never really wanted to step out of his comfort zone. I knew I had a desire to lead and make a difference, but I was too afraid to take risks. Rivers provided a safe place where, suddenly, I wasn't as scared because I knew if I failed, someone would always have my back. Now, seven years later, I find that I am a completely different person. I take on leadership roles in and out of the classroom, and that's due in large part to the education I’ve received here. Rivers has taught me to embrace those moments that may feel uncomfortable because they are teaching moments. Rivers has also shown me that risks can often turn into rewards, so it's always worth it to go for what you want!
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