Almost every sophomore at River Dell is familiar with the ever-popular, effortlessly cool Jackson McHugh. However, not everyone is as lucky as us to be friends with him. In this article, we’ll give you an inside look into his life and help you get to know the great Jackson a little better.
Jackson is a standout runner. He currently competes on the Indoor Track team in the winter and the Outdoor Track team in the spring.
“The track team is really great this year. My 4×8, made up of me, Nick Cordts, Donavan Schwabik, and Sean Baxter, in particular is amazing. We’re competing at Nationals this weekend. The coaches, Urso and Burns, are really kind and helpful. I work the most closely with Coach Burns because he coaches distance. He’s super knowledgeable and encouraging. Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Outside of school, Jackson—a true Renaissance man—has many skills and interests.
“My favorite things are guitar and photography. I’m a big fan of Nirvana and Metallica. When it comes to photography, I mainly focus on nature and landscapes. I occasionally dabble in street photography when I go to Hoboken or NYC. I also play some video games. Lately, I’ve been playing Red Dead Redemption 2. It has amazing visuals and a fantastic story. I highly recommend it to everyone.”
Though he initially struggled to find his footing in high school, Jackson has now hit his stride (pun intended).
“This year is far better than last. My grades have gone up, and I’ve made many new friends. I feel more comfortable in the high school environment, and I’m excited for what the rest of my time here has to offer.”
Of course, as an amateur photographer, Jackson enjoys his elective classes TV/Media and Photography II. However, his favorite teacher teaches a very different subject.
“The best teacher I have this year is Ms. Dunn. Even though Chemistry is my hardest class and the one I have the lowest grade in, she’s really nice and I have a good time in her class.”
We asked some of Jackson’s friends about him to give readers a better sense of who he is.
Dean Monaco said, “I’ve known Jackson for four years now. This year we talk often in gym and TV. I also see him after school in track every day. Jackson has great endurance and determination to do well in track.”
Sinan Sarioglu said, “I met Jackson in seventh grade at the start of middle school. I became closer with him last year in photography. He’s funny and not annoying. Very chill. Just nice to be around in general.”
Finally, we asked Jackson how the rest of us at River Dell can become as “stupendous” as him. His answer was surprisingly grounded:
“Be yourself; get out of your comfort zone. In freshman year, I was in my own bubble and sticking with what I’ve always done. This year, I’m being much more social. I also started listening to different kinds of music, joined the track teams, got a new clothing style, and in general I’m just a more interesting and experimental guy.”
