Natalie Reich-Patrick Rita

Natalie Reich-Patrick Rita

By Patrick Rita 

Sentry Staff Reporter

At first glance, sophomore Natalie Reich is just another student who binges on Netflix and loves her Tibetan terrier named Senge.  At second glance, she is not just a student but the junior class president, a prominent member of the crew team and a part of the Teen Network Board.  When she seldom has free time, she loves to hang out with her friends.  From Jamestown Elementary School, to Williamsburg Middle School, to now, the one constant in Reich’s life is her love for her family and friends.

Although she has being president of the junior class to be proud of, Reich also takes great pride in her crew team’s accomplishments.  The boats she has been in and the races they have won are what she is most proud of.  One would think that such an accomplished student would be fearless, but that is not quite the case.  Like most students, Reich is feeling the heat of junior year, after only one week.

“I’m excited [about this school year] but it’s already a lot of work,” said Reich.

Reich joined the elite club of journalists of The Sentry as a sophomore.  After a year of taking English with Ms. Wiedemann, she was recruited for the staff and now she is entering her second year as a writer.

President, rower, writer, the list goes on.  However, she always has time to talk and anyone this involved in the Yorktown community is definitely worth getting to know.

 

By Natalie Reich

Sentry Staff Reporter

During the infamous snow storm of 2009, one could say that, then 7th grader Patrick Rita, was not exactly a happy camper. Now, being a senior, Rita is only considering southern schools for college due to his strong disliking for colder weather. When asked about his plans for next year, Rita said,

“Anywhere South, I don’t want to be cold. All the schools I’m applying to are southern. My dream school is UVA.”

Rita has been on the staff for three years. While he specifically enjoys writing for the sports section, he appreciates all the sections of the newspaper.

“I like them all, especially now that I know all the editors. I think it’s cool to mix up the sections I write for and expand my horizons,” he said.

Besides writing, Rita is also drawn to mathematics. This year he is taking Multivariable Calculus, one of the highest math classes offered. On top of committing to math and writing, Rita devotes his time to the National Honors Society (NHS). When he is not studying hard in the classroom, Rita can be found out on the green. He spends much of his time playing golf, whether it is competitively with the team or leisurely with his friends.

With the overwhelming idea of going away to college approaches, Rita finds himself excited and nervous.

“It’ll be cool to have a new start. A lot of these kids I’ve gone to school with for six or seven years,” said Rita.

Not only is Rita anxious to try something different and meet new people, he is also ready for the idea of liberty of going away to school.

“The independence of college, not having your parents around, I think it’ll be interesting. The freedom is what I’m most looking forward to,” said Rita.

Although Rita is eager about the thought of a new life, there are aspects of his current one that he will miss. Some of these classmates he has been sharing schools with for years have become close friends with Rita. When asked his fondest memory from high school, Rita said,

“The friends I’ve made. You make friends with people that you’ll want to come back [to Arlington] and meet with when you’re in college and I think that’s important. They’re probably what I will remember most.”

Being a senior, Rita must begin planning for the future and considering more adult responsibilities— like what he would do if he won the lottery. Of course, like any sensible journalism-loving young man, he would generously chose to give the money to The Yorktown Sentry.

“I would donate money so that The Sentry would never have to do fundraisers,” said Rita.

 

 

Photo by Libby Boda

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