"There is no way to really describe Yavneh, it is a place that  nurtures you into an amazing Jewish young adult with irreplaceable ethics and a knowledge," said Rachel. "The Judaic Studies classes really cross over and help you in the General Studies and I know it will help me in life."

 

Rachel is the third Rudberg to graduate from Yavneh, following behind her siblings Laura '07 and Zev '04. Rachel also graduated from Akiba Academy, choosing Yavneh so that she would be able to continue combining a Jewish education alongside her General Studies. "I saw how much my brother and sister enjoyed Yavneh and I wanted to be there too," she said. "I knew that, even with the dual-curriculum and intense program, I'd be able to continue dancing and also keep up with my medical issues. The school's administration has helped to accommodate me in both of those areas and I can't imagine having gone anywhere else. I love how the teachers want everyone to succeed and everyone makes school such a wonderful environment that it makes me feel at home. That is NOT how most high school's work and I'm lucky to have been here."

 

"I know very few students who will work as hard as Rachel," said Chris Northrup, a member of Yavneh's Math faculty. "No matter how many problems you assign, she will do them all. When she goes to college, the students in her classes will want her in their study group. I've seen her overcome many obstacles both in and out of the classroom. I don't think anything can stop her."

 

"Rachel can't sit still -- she is constantly bouncing in her seat always ready to ask or answer a question," said Science Department Chair, Dr. Steven Goldfine. "Her energy and zeal for learning appear to be limitless. One couldn't ask for a better student."

photo by Cary Rudberg

"The best part of Yavneh has to be the teacher-student relation and the math and writing lab. The teacher-student relationships make sure that EVERYONE succeeds and no one is left behind," said Rachel who has taken advantage of all of Yavneh's support staff. "The math and writing lab are there to help anyone and everyone. Every single free period of mine has been spent in one of those two places."

 

"Despite tiresome physical challenges, Rachel rarely loses her energetic and bubbly persona," said English teacher and Writing Lab supervisor, Bonnie Atkins. "She dances instead of walks and is always ready to participate in class with questions, ideas and support for her classmates. Furthermore, she has a keen self-awareness and is not afraid of extra work in order to reach her full potential."

 

"Whether Rachel is studying in the dance studio, or color coding and charting her notes into more understandable and organized formats," said Mrs. Atkins, "she is dedicated to improving herself: mind, body, and soul." 

 

The daughter of Dora and Cary, and fourth-generation Texan, Rachel is a member of Congregation Shearith Israel (of which her Great Grandfather was a founder) and that synagogues' United Synagogue Youth organization. At Yavneh, Rachel has been involved with the Yearbook Crew and acted in Theatre Department productions of "The Secret Garden," and "Epic Adventures in a Rinky Dink Art Museum."

 

A member of Yavneh's Yachad board, Rachel has appreciated spending time with its members and the community it serves. Yachad, a division of the National Jewish Council for Disabilities is dedicated to enhancing the life opportunities of individuals with disabilities, ensuring their participation in the full spectrum of Jewish life. "I love every moment of the programs and events we've hosted for our community," said Rachel. "I am proud to be on board of Yachad because I know it brings those living

photo by Cary Rudberg

with special needs into the

community, we celebrate holidays, and I know they feel

great and so do all of us who participate."

 

 

Rachel, who has overcome a number of medical issues, not letting anything keep her off the stage; neither that of dance or of life, has pushed herself beyond limits believed by many. A dancer since she was three-years-old, Rachel spends countless hours on her toes, jazzin' it up, and gracing her way across the studio floor at the Texas Ballet Theater School where she studies ballet, contemporary, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, and hip hop. "I love to perform, to compete, and to dance just to dance," said Rachel. "I let nothing get in the way and it really is like breathing air to me - I just have to do it."

 

 

While most of Rachel's time is dancing in a studio, she has enjoyed traveling with her family, participating in a People to People Leadership Program at Johns Hopkins where she participated in medicine and science-based experiments and learning.

 

Wanting to take her experiences as a patient, and longtime volunteer at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, and turn them into a career to benefit others who are not well, Rachel plans to pursue a career in pediatric nursing or as a Physician's Assistant. Accepted to Austin College, Southern Methodist University, St. Edward's University, Texas Christian University, and Texas Woman's University, and the University of Denver, she is soon to decide on the college campus right for her.

 

Dancing through Yavneh's halls, just as she dances through life, Rachel is a burst of energy, a sign of elegance, and a fan waving a breath of fresh air for all in her path.