Jess Cunningham

Though he’s a tad hesitant to admit it, Jon Rafferty has joined the track team this season for the first time in his high school athletic career. Rafferty participates in throwing, hurdles, high jump, or really whatever event he’s asked to compete in. He did not expect being involved in this sport, but he expressed that it is “going much smoother than anticipated.”

However, his true love for sports comes from soccer. Rafferty played the positions of fullback or midfielder. He also received an academic scholar award through soccer for maintaining high academic achievement.

Rafferty plans on attending either Bowling Green State University or The Ohio State University. He wishes to major in something related to the engineering field.

In his spare time, Rafferty enjoys hunting. “It’s relaxing being in the wild for hours by yourself simply listening to birds and observing wildlife.”

Opinion or feelings on track so far? It’s a positive experience. With it being my first year, I kind of just go around and ask people what I need to do, or how to do it.

Number 1 thing on your Bucket List: Go skydiving.

If you were stranded on an island, name three objects you’d want with you: I feel like Bear Grylls alone would be plenty.

Who is your role model and why? I can’t exactly single out one, but it's without a doubt the staff at Van Buren. As a whole, I’ve learned to be dependable, accountable, and responsible with how I act and use my time.