By Staff Writer, Leah Setaghian
From the cold, rocky fronts of Alaska to the sunny hills of California, Ray Hajduk (�08) is finding himself having a successful stay in high school. As an athlete in sophrosh track, a member of Jazz Band, and president of the debate club, Hajduk has put himself under a spotlight for his achievements in school.

Hajduk credits his interest and talent in some part to his family, as his sister ran track for several years and his father used to coach track. Making the sophrosh track team last year as a freshman, he immediately proved to excel in the sport, as he was named team MVP. He returned to the top spot on the team this year on March 23, as he once again accomplished the feat of being MVP.
But winning is not all Hajduk looks forward to. He has developed great friendships with his teammates and enjoys their company.
�The best thing about track is hanging out with the team.� He said
Hajduk�s hectic schedule consists of several advanced classes, Jazz Band at fifth period, track at sixth period, and debate club Wednesdays after school.
As a trumpet player in Jazz Band, he recently returned to the country after touring in China since April 5.
�[Ray is] brilliant,� classmate and friend Sarah Shin (�08) said. �In some freakish way he has the time to get [great grades], manage to balance his extracurricular activities, and [handle] everything else that life throws at him.�
Many regard Hajduk as the best debater in the debate club, where his intelligence and opinionated character shine. Perhaps the most outspoken member, he has a method of debating, which helps him support or oppose any topic using humor, logic, and historical or scientific facts.
Although it may seem as a heavy load to be involved in so many programs, Hajduk does not mind.
�The hardest thing is balancing Jazz Band and track, but [it is] worth it because [they are] awesome.�
Hajduk hopes to soon meet his goals of running a faster mile and increasing his height at high jump.