Sophomore Sofia Rodriguez Has Big Dreams

A sweet young woman who exudes sincerity, Sofia Rodriguez has quietly, but confidently, been compiling an outstanding record at Huntington High School where she “absolutely loves” performing. The sophomore has already starred in the drama and choral programs while earning very good grades.

The teenager has a full academic schedule, including classes in English 10, Health, Geometry, Chamber Choir, Global History, Chemistry and Spanish 4. In the spring semester she will start studying Theatre Arts B: Play in Performance.

“Chamber Choir is definitely my favorite of the courses I’m currently taking,” Ms. Rodriguez said. “We’ve been able to do some really exciting things this year such as being featured on News 12’s ‘Sounds of the Season’ segment and also making our debut at Radio City Music Hall. I also have no doubt that once I start Theatre Arts B, it will become a favorite of mine as well.”

The sophomore said she “absolutely loves performing, so I think that’s definitely a main character trait of mine.” She happy and at ease on a stage and before an audience.

Ms. Rodriguez has a good grasp of who she is as well as her likes and dislikes. “I’d consider myself a creative person,” she said. “I’m really quiet in school, but once I get to know somebody, I’d like to think I’m pretty friendly. I try to be somebody that the people in my life know they can rely on and confide in.”

The teenager said she feels she’s made “strong connections” with English teacher and drama club faculty advisor Michael Schwendemann and music teacher and choral director Victoria Garbarino.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Schwendemann on all the drama club productions since I’ve been in the high school as well as having him as an English teacher last year,” Ms. Rodriguez said. “I can truly say he’s one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. He is a wonderful director and person with lots of knowledge and creativity to share as well as positivity to spread and I always look forward to seeing him at school.

The teenager is equally complimentary to Ms. Garbario. “She is also an amazing teacher who has done so much for me and other students in the choral program,” Ms. Rodriguez said. “She is easy to get along with and works really hard to provide my classmates and I with opportunities to showcase and enhance our abilities. I’m really fortunate to be a member of her chamber choir.”

Ms. Rodriguez plans to continue acting with the drama club and she’s “really looking forward” to participating in the spring production of “Seussical the Musical.” She is also eagerly anticipating the choral program’s Cabaret Night.

“My experience at Huntington High School has been wonderful,” Mr. Rodriguez said. “I’ve had teachers in the past tell me that I would blossom once I got to the high school and I was never quite sure if I believed them until it happened. In my time here I have made so many new friends of all ages and been able to take part in so many beautiful experiences I wouldn’t trade for the world. The schoolwork aspect of things certainly hasn’t always been easy, but there’s always something to be learned from those challenges and that’s what I’m grateful for.”

While college is still many years off in the distance, Ms. Rodriguez said it’s “certainly an intimidating thought, but an exciting one nonetheless. I absolutely love acting; it’s my passion. That is definitely what I would like to pursue in college and professionally as a career. Whether this means majoring in drama or musical theater, I’m not sure yet, but whichever one it is, continuing to pursue acting is what’s most important to me.”

Few students put their time to such good use as does Ms. Rodriguez, who is always looking to grow in every possible way.

“I haven’t done too much traveling, however I am fortunate to have visited some really beautiful places, such as Puerto Rico and Bermuda,” Ms. Rodriguez said. “Last summer, I spent time at the same place I’ve spent many of my previous summers: Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn. I was enrolled in their performing arts camp and got to participate in their production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof Jr.’ I had an amazing time and made some really wonderful memories. It’s very bittersweet to have had to say goodbye to the camp for the final time, but all good things must come to an end and I’m immensely grateful for being able to spend so many summers in such a beautiful environment.”

Happy in the here and now, Ms. Rodriguez is nevertheless thinking about what the future might hold. She intends to pursue her goals with enthusiasm and determination.

“In a perfect world, I’ll be a successful actress,” Ms. Rodriguez said. “I’d love to make it big one day. It may sound silly to some, but there’s no shame in having big dreams.”