Rachel Hunsicker

Lake George High School bowler Rachel Hunsicker really got it rolling this year, both on the lanes and off.

The singer, actress, editor and star student spearheaded a cultural showcase as well as a lecture series as part of her ongoing effort to “provide people opportunities to learn about one another and the world around them.”

The president of her school’s Spectrum (Gay Straight Alliance) Club and an active participant with its online GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) Street Team, Hunsicker chaired Eyes on the World which in February brought together students, teachers and community members for a cultural gathering that featured music, foods, interactive displays and the arts.

“She is a thinker who thinks beyond the box,” Lake George bowling coach Todd Wood said of the senior who is one of 10 high school honorees for the inaugural Capital District Sports Women of the Year awards, which also sees three college athletes recognized.

Among the objectives for Eyes on the World, Hunsicker said, was to “have kids increase their cultural confidence,” and “to increase understanding and empathy for other people in the community, and in other communities.”

With the Hunsicker-led Being Human Project, panelists were set up to discuss issues prominent to the youth in Warren County. Two sessions were held before the coronavirus shut down schools and put a hold on social gatherings.

“The first three lectures were about mental health, and mental health awareness,” Hunsicker said. “What teens and adults face.”

Hunsicker has worked with teens as a Rock Solid Mentoring Program team leader and as a Student to Student peer counselor. She has also worked for teens as a member of the Lake George Leadership Council and the school’s Breakfast Club, which offers ideas that would enhance the overall school experience, and as a member of SPARC (Strategic Planning and Review Committee), which offers teachers ideas that would enhance the learning experience.

“She goes above and beyond when she sees someone needs help,” Wood said of the Capital District Sports Women of the Year scholastic-division honoree. “She has a compassionate, sensitive, calming nature.”

The versatile Hunsicker played one of the lead characters, Jenna Rolan, when the Lake George Drama Club staged “Be More Chill” in November, and she was also a member of the Cabaret Club, Senior Select Choir and Castleton Select Choir. Yearbook editor and treasurer and school newspaper editor also line her resume, as well as French Club, Senior High Art Club and Astronomy Club.

“My schedule is still full, but not as full as it was,” Hunsicker said of her routine since schools were closed. “I used to get up at 6 a.m. and go straight through until 11 at night.”

Hunsicker ranks seventh in her class of 84 with a 94.53 average. She will attend Colgate University and major in international relations with a double minor in economics and gender studies.

Hunsicker was among the January honorees for The Glens Falls Post-Star’s 2020 Teen Excellence Awards. The Teen Excellence Awards look to go beyond academic subjects and athletics to identify outstanding young people between the ages of 13 and 19 who have demonstrated personal growth, leadership and innovation along with a commitment to the community.

“We are so proud of Rachel and all of her characteristics, and we know that she will continue to grow beyond her high school and is bound to do great things in her life,” Wood said.

Hunsicker bowled on the Lake George varsity team for five years and served as a team captain.

This article appeared in the 2020 CDSWOY Awards Program on August 18, 2020.