Riva Bergman is one of those people you come across with a “can-do” attitude. She always seems to be one step ahead of the action and she has enough confidence in herself to believe she can do just about anything.
Ms. Bergman began her trek through the Huntington School District as a Southdown Primary School kindergartener. The junior is an alum of the district’s dual language program. She’s earned friends and admirers in every school and classroom where she’s studied. Her smile and energy is magnetic and her enthusiasm is contagious.
Huntington junior Riva Bergman.
Ms. Bergman’s current academic schedule includes Advanced Placement Seminar, AP Spanish, AP Environmental Science and Pre-Calculus. She’s the vice president of design/IT in her Virtual Enterprise business class.
The junior’s closest friends include Alex Gerbavsits, Ava Waxenberg, Anna Wickey, Madeline Meidenman, Beanna Cumella, Lucy Biblow and Julia Gorecki.
“Riva Bergman is an amazing friend and teammate,” Ms. Gerbavsits said. “No matter what the score is she always gives 100 percent on the field. She is a real team player.”
Ms. Bergman’s loyalty and dependability is well-known around the high school. She’s always ready to help a friend in need and to put others first.
“Over the summer, Riva and I became super close and I’m so grateful to have her as a friend,” Ms. Wickey said. “Riva is one of the funniest people I’ve ever met and she always knows how to put a smile on someone’s face.”
Ms. Bergman plans to begin volunteering at Huntington Hospital soon. She’s been playing on the Blue Devil varsity girls’ soccer team this fall. For the past six years worked for the Family Service League and engaged in numerous community service related projects.
“I know I would like to major in psychology,” Ms. Bergman said. “I can see myself at a good sized school, maybe the University of Rhode Island, University of Maryland, Penn State, Towson or SUNY Oneonta.”
The teenager’s favorite teachers have been Joseph Cohen, Paige Tyree Furman, Monica Racz and Joann Ferazi.
“Riva is an extremely hard working student,” Mrs. Racz said. “What stands out about her is she never gives up when faced with difficult situations. She worked so hard to pass the Geometry Regents and the teachers grading papers all cheered when she did. I am really proud of her.”
With her junior year well underway, Ms. Bergman is once again shining. “I have had an amazing time at Huntington, made so many memories and met so many new people and friends,” she said.
