Meet Somers High School's Salutatorian Ruina Zhang

Ruina Zhang will graduate from Somers High School on Wednesday with the special distinction of achieving top academic rankings in her class. She has been named salutatorian.

The 17-year-old, who grew up in Shenzhen, China, and moved to the United States with her family when she was in 9th grade, will be attending Princeton University. She plans on majoring in engineering – either chemical and biological engineering or operations research and financial engineering. 

Not only has she earned top grades, Ruina has been an active member of the school. She is co-president of the Somers High School STAT (Students Taking Action Today) Club; co-captain of the Somers Girls Varsity Tennis Team and resource officer of Somers Math Team. 

Ruina has also been one of 12 guest piano soloists selected from the state to perform at the Piano Showcase in Rochester. She holds a number of awards as a pianist and an outstanding student in AP and honors classes. 

Patch interviewed the student to get her take on her high school experience and plans for the future.

Patch: Did you imagine you'd be named top student – was this your goal?

Ruina Zhang: I didn’t work hard just for being named top student. My goal was to do the best I can in everything that I do.

Patch: Was there a particular class or academic experience that changed you?

Zhang: I’ve always enjoyed my math and science classes. I can’t say there is one particular class that influenced me strongly, but I can say that many teachers have encouraged me in their classrooms. 

Patch: In your opinion, is there anything you'd like to see the school district do differently?

Zhang: Our school district is doing a tremendous job at giving us different valuable opportunities. But I think it will be even better if our school offers a greater variety of classes. 

Patch: What's your dream job of the future?

Zhang: I’ve never thought that far into the future. I hope to figure out what I am truly passionate about in college and then pursue that. 

Patch: What was your experience at Somers High School like?

Zhang: It was fantastic. I’m not saying that I have never complained about the lack of air conditioning or the crowded library, but in general, it’s been an amazing four years. 

Patch: What will you miss when you graduate high school?

Zhang: I will miss my wonderful friends and teachers. My teachers have not only taught me knowledge of their respective subjects, but have also supported and encouraged me all the way through high school. I will surely keep in touch with my friends and come back to visit my teachers. 

Patch: Please share a funny or embarrassing story about your high school experience?

Zhang: I didn’t know the difference between sheep and goats until about a month ago…

Patch: What advice will you give SHS juniors?

Zhang: Work hard and try your best. SATs, ACTs, APs and college applications can all seem very intimidating. Don’t worry about them too much. 

Patch: What are some objectives of your speech? What message do you hope to send at graduation?

Zhang: One of the objectives of my speech is to tell my fellow classmates not to be afraid of failure.

Patch: Four fun, quick questions. Ready? What's on your iPod, what's your favorite late-night snack, your favorite book and what comfort item will you bring from home to college?

Zhang: Taylor Swift and Adele. My favorite late-night snack is Welch’s Fruit Snacks. My favorite book is The Great Gatsby. I will bring my Teddy Bear to college with me.