TRR photo by Richard A. Ross Sarah Nebzydoski, Senior, Sullivan West (Click for larger image)

Youth in Focus

By RICHARD A. ROSS

When asked about future plans, many teenagers seem unsure about what field of work they will pursue. Clearly, high school and college years are key times for discovering one’s interests and talents. By comparison, Sarah Nebzydoski, a senior at Sullivan West, is far more focused.

The love of animals and the work of caring for them has always been a part of Sarah’s world. The daughter of Joseph and Kerry Jo Nebzydoski, Sarah had an early introduction to animals by virtue of her dad’s veterinary practice. Early memories include witnessing puppies being born and going out on calls to see about farm animals. It left a lasting impression.

As Sarah contemplates her college choices, she envisions majoring in science. Whether that leads her to follow in her father’s footsteps is yet to be seen.

At present, Sarah is concentrating on other interests. One of these is music, which has played a major role in her life since she was nine. That was when she began playing the piano. She currently studies with Tanya Cohen of the Music Studio in Jeffersonville. Sarah plays piano in the school jazz band and flute in the concert band.

Horseback riding is another passion. Sarah has her own horse named Stormy, who is stabled at Stonewall Farm. Once a week she takes lessons with Barbara Moran.

Not limited to galloping across fields, Sarah has taken to flying over them. Recently she has been taking flying lessons with her father at Sullivan County Airport. They go airborne about once a week depending on the weather.

Singled out for her leadership, Sarah just returned from a leadership conference held in Washington, DC. There 400 nationwide students gather to learn about government. During their stay in the nation’s capital, they crafted and then presented an amendment to a bill in a model congress.

While in Washington, they also toured the famous landmarks of the city. It was Sarah’s first trip to Washington, DC. and she described it as “impressive.” She made friends with a number of kids and has already been emailing them since her return.

Sarah’s athletic endeavors have been limited to playing golf in the spring. Practicing and competing at the Villa Roma led to a job at the grillroom during the summer. With the demands of school, college applications and all of her other activities, she is glad that her job was seasonal.

This week’s youth in focus is indeed that: focused. Music, horseback riding, love of animals and flying are just a few aspects of a dynamic young woman. Harmonies in music and in nature bespeak a person who is in tune with what matters. One thing is clear: whatever path Sarah chooses to pursue in her life, she is bound to make a positive impact in the process.