This week we Take Five with Matt Cummings, an incoming senior at the high school. Matt runs - and runs! He's on the winter and spring track teams and runs cross country. He looks up to his parents, is really smart and likes to lead the way. Good thing since he's a competitive runner. Be sure to go to westmilfordmessenger.com and read our bonus five with Matt.
1) How did you get involved with running?
In 8th grade some of my friends decided that they wanted to do cross country and one of their brothers had been a good runner in high school. They convinced me to run, and I soon discovered that I had potential in the sport so I continued to run on the winter, spring track and cross country teams.
2) What would most people be surprised to know about cross country?
People know that there are rivalries between towns, and that there is a high level of competition and desire to win, but what I think that most people would be surprised to know is that we are all still friends. Ive gotten to know the people from other teams, we talk and joke around together all of the time.
3) Who is your favorite teacher of all time and why?
Signora Certosimo, the high school Italian teacher. This is the third year that I have had her as a teacher; she makes learning the language fun and easy and I always look forward to her class. Shes such a nice person and Im looking forward to taking her Italian 4 class next year.
4) What does being a Highlander mean to you?
Being a Highlander means getting involved. I always hear people complaining that there is nothing to do in West Milford, but realistically the town has so much to offer. I tried to get involved as much as I could my freshman year at the high school and Im so happy that I did. It has been a great experience so far.
5) Share something no one knows about you.
Something that no one knows about me is that I like to be different and stand out. I dont want to be that kid that sits quietly and blends in with the crowd. I like to be the one to take initiative and start things. I want to be the one making a difference, and I dont think that you can do that by being one in the crowd. You have to be willing to step forward and express your views even when no one else agrees.
We certainly need leaders, Matt. Glad you are stepping up to make a difference. Do you know someone like Matt who is doing good things? Let us know. We want to feature all the wonderful young people in the community. Drop us an email at njoffice@strausnews.com and tell us who and why. Thanks for being here. We'll see you next week for our next Take Five.
Bonus Five 6) Who is your biggest inspiration?
My parents; they are always supportive and always trying to help me achieve my goals. They make me do the best that I can at everything I try.
7) Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island.
I would bring food, water, and sunscreen if I were on a deserted island.
8) Share a favorite moment with your group/club/team.
I think one of my favorite moments with the track team was last spring when we won Passaic County Relays. The two years before then the team was so close to winning, losing by only a point my freshman year. It was great to have the team come together and be able to win the whole thing. It was an exciting meet and it came down to the very last race.
9) What do you do with your time when you are not in school or at practice?
School and practice take up a huge part of my day, and afterwards I always have homework to do. But I like to try to find time to hang out with my friends or just relax for a little while.
10) What is your favorite movie, book or character and why?
My favorite character is Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. I think he has a funny personality. He is so overly pretentious that it is comical, and he points out flaws that he sees in society.