Rio Kauffman '20 Recruiting Profile

Looking back on my time in high school, I have tried to make considerable contributions to my school. I am pleased to be able to share some of them with you.  During these years, I have worked to exceed expectations and to leave an impact on the way I work with and treat others, honor commitments to my education and develop my athletic skills and ability.  There are some specific character traits I believe I have contributed to the school community and to my athletic teams.

A character trait I believe is a strength of mine is my citizenship. A person with good citizenship might dedicate himself to being aware of what’s going on in his community, state, country, and even worldwide. I may not be the type of person who reads the newspaper every day or watches the nightly news, but it is a characteristic of mine to be conscientious of the general events going on. Another aspect of my good citizenship is my involvement in school events. Besides, when I am flooded with undertakings from other responsibilities, you could expect me to attend all major school-related activities. As a part of any community, I truly appreciate being a part of events anywhere possible. Another aspect of citizenship for me is helping others. I enjoy lending a hand, whether it is subtle, supporting a younger athlete who is struggling during a drill, volunteering as a youth coach, or supporting my younger billet brothers academically or athletically. Furthermore, participating in service learning project through trail building, community cleanups or around my school during events.

As can be found in any good student, I am very dedicated to my academics. While there will be some geniuses in the world, for most like me, success in school only occurs by putting in time and effort. I have made sure to work hard in school because who knows what might end up of my other interests, but if I excel in school, I know I can accomplish many things and open many opportunities for myself. In school, while improving myself academically, I also have supported friends to improve and grow themselves, intellectually and academically. In a recent past season, my good friend on my hockey team had not previously focused on his school work. From our friendship, I helped him see the value and he made the Dean’s Effort List the last quarter of school for the first time. For some people, their school experience isn’t very important to them, but for me, it is first and foremost.

One of the last and most significant character traits about my time in high school is my focus on improving athletically. I am very fond of participating in many sports; in my past, I played football, baseball, golf and of course my passion, ice hockey. Some people play sports because they are super competitive, and others just play it because there is almost nothing they would rather do. I believe the reason I have been able to succeed in athletics is that I have both of those things. With that combination, there is no problem with people or coaches asking me to try harder and do extra work.

One thing that you could always see in me is sportsmanship. Sportsmanship is being humble in victory, and to have acceptance and grace in defeat. Also, a good sportsman will show respect to any competitor no matter what they have done to you. One thing that is true about me is that on any competitive playing field, I will work hard to achieve my best and to support my team, essential to good sportsmanship. As a student, athlete, and person, I try to be aware that my character traits impact my actions and have an impact on my family, friends, community and myself.