Student Feature: Alex Kagan '23

Our feature this week is Middle School student Alex Kagan '23.
Alex Kagan ‘23 is an eighth-grade boarding student at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. He is from Huntington, West Virginia and moved to Rabun Gap last year at the start of his seventh-grade year. He is an active participant in the happenings at the Middle School and has a passion for history, politics, geography and golf.

Why did you choose to attend Rabun Gap?
I chose to attend Rabun Gap because I was not content with the West Virginia public school system. I decided to look for a new place to attend school. I had originally planned to start school here in eighth grade, but decided to start school in the seventh grade.

What makes Rabun Gap special to you?
The community here at Rabun Gap is different than any other school I have ever been to. The honor code, the trust that people have, and the amazing schooling are what sets Rabun Gap apart.

What is your favorite thing about being at the Middle School?
My favorite thing about the Middle School is the community; the feeling that, despite our differences, we all work together and respect each other.

What is your favorite memory from your time here so far?
I really enjoyed exploring Washington DC (on the recent 8th grade trip), especially the Holocaust Museum, because it relates to my Jewish heritage.

What is your favorite thing about being a boarding student at Rabun Gap?
I enjoy boarding at Rabun Gap because each dorm is basically family, and we treat each other as such.

Which Rabun Gap middle school teachers and/or coaches have had the biggest impact on you during your time here?
Mr. Long and Mrs. Ager have had the greatest impact on me. They were my golf coaches last year and really molded me into the golfer I am today.  They encouraged me the whole way. Mr. Ledford has also had a big impact by reinvigorating my love of history.

What has been your favorite weekend trip so far?
My favorite trip has been the dorm trip to Dollywood last year which was really fun and was a good relaxation from the chaos of school.

Do you use the makerspace at the Middle School? If so, what are some projects you have been involved in?
I use the makerspace relatively often; I have used it to make flags (for the houses), props, posters, and more.

Which groups or extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I was on the tennis team this past fall and am doing MathCounts this trimester. In the spring, I plan to try out for the varsity golf team.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that we don’t otherwise know.
I have played golf with Davis Love III and Jonathan Byrd in a three hole scramble for charity at the Greenbrier Classic in 2017.

If you could choose to live during any era of history, when would you pick?
If I could choose to live at any point in time, I would choose the Napoleonic Era in Europe. I would like to witness the fall of the Holy Roman Empire, the rise and fall of the French Empire, and the creation of the countries of Europe that we know today.

What’s your favorite quote?
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” Preamble to the Constitution
 
Back
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.