RILEY CAVANNA
DARIEN HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2024
HOMETOWN: DARIEN
In the fall I will be… attending the Cornell University College of Arts and Sciences.
The best part about my school was… the willingness of my peers to participate in anything. When everyone takes part in dressing up for football games or comes to a cookout in the parking lot, everything is more fun.
In ten years, I hope to be… continuing to serve my community in whatever way I can, whether that be as a volunteer EMT or picking up trash.
Volunteering at Post 53 provides me with… endless opportunities for self-improvement. From giving crew members feedback and public speaking during our weekly meetings to being assertive for my crew and patients on hectic highway calls, Post constantly creates situations where teenagers are expected to act as adults. I find myself with new challenges daily but am not afraid to step up or speak up because of their constant presence.
My dream job would be… an ambassador. Though this is a lofty dream, I continue to obsess over spy movies about diplomatic crises and watch The West Wing.
I would describe myself as… a regimented rule-follower with a unique and somewhat surprising personality.
I spent my summer… living with a host family in a small town in southern Spain and, upon my return, worked as a lifeguard.
I like to decompress by… listening to audiobooks. Since the age of seven, I have listened to about 5,000 hours of audiobooks (about one per week). My obsession began when my poor eyesight required an embarrassing eyepatch that made reading a challenge. Since then, I have not looked back.
Something that would surprise people about me is… that I have a collection of Rubik’s Cubes displayed on my bedroom dresser.
WHY RILEY IS A TEEN TO WATCH:
Marilyn B. Vojta Award of Excellence EMT of the Year 2023
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President of National Honor Society
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Basic Life Support Instructor (certified to train others in CPR)
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Led planning of the Post 53 Food Fair, profited $45k
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Exchange student in Spain for two summers