Gorr Sahakian ’07 recently visited Rumson Country Day and spoke before an Upper School assembly. He came to share his story of “life after RCDS” and how his time here impacted his high school and college years.
His message was consistent to our 5th through 8th grade students. He was grateful that – from his initial year at Rumson-Fair Haven High School to his subsequent years at Peddie School and then Villanova University’s School of Business – RCDS prepared him immensely academically, athletically, and with his sense of self.
Gorr’s top “lessons learned” from RCDS include general organization of self, time management, resilience and responsibility. He also benefited from learning the significance of community service and the value of surrounding oneself with good influences, positive role models, and true friends. He spoke highly of the community and family aspect of RCDS, noting that other schools do not have the same level of support from teachers or from fellow students and their parents. He encouraged current Rumson Country Day students to be appreciative of attending a school that, to Gorr, came to feel like a “home away from home.”
From his undefeated football season with Coach Paul Campanella in 2005-06, to his community service work with Mrs. Denny, to his Beginners’ play with Mrs. Kolb and even his favorite French Dip lunch in the Dining Room, Gorr noted that he missed many things from his former years. He advised current Upper School students to become involved in groups for athletics or the arts or community service in high school, so that they would have immediate friends built into their secondary school careers. And he likewise urged Rumson Country Day students to seek out and meet people different from themselves – “they are the ones who will help shape you.”
On behalf of all the Upper School at RCDS, thank you for visiting with us, Gorr!