Written By: Tia Agarwal

If you see Alex Gurion ‘26 racing through the halls, he’s probably on his way to science research or soccer practice, somehow fitting it all in between photoshoots for the Calvin Coolidge program. 

This summer, Gurion was one of the few students invited to Plymouth, MA, President Calvin Coolidge’s hometown, for a week of policy talks, debates, and historic reenactments. Speakers ranged from West Point professors to former Vermont Governor James Douglas. Gurion says that one talk which stuck with him was Douglas’s perspective on hate speech: “He told us people need to be mature about it and turn away from it, rather than call for it to be banned.” Gurion says it gave him perspective on how to approach hate speech on his future college campus with a more open mind.

Gurion also gained a newfound appreciation for history. He spent time learning about Coolidge’s life in his hometown and recreated the Coolidge form of debate. Gurion recalls “one of the speakers was a historian and he knew that everyone was from different backgrounds. He encouraged people to keep history as a part of their lives.” That lesson has stayed with him, even as he leans toward a future in STEM.

Looking back on this experience, Gurion says one of his highlights was being one of two people asked to speak at the annual naturalization ceremony in Plymouth—he notes he spoke in front of “700 people in a large outdoor tent.” Gurion says he’s proud to share what he loves about America to people who are starting a new chapter. But perhaps just as valuable was meeting peers from across the country and “seeing beyond the Rye Country Day School and Westchester bubble.”

Back in Westchester for the rest of his summer, Gurion worked at Einstein Hospital in the Bronx, testing potential vaccines for tuberculosis strains in mice. Beyond the research itself, he says he valued the collaborative atmosphere of academia, where researchers frequently exchanged ideas and shared results. His mentor often passed along insights from peers, giving him a glimpse into how science thrives as a collective effort. Gurion notes that his time at Einstein solidified his interest in STEM and medicine, making both feel like a clear direction for his future. That passion is only deepened by his commitment to RCDS’s Science Research program and his favorite class, Organic Chemistry taught by Mr. Burt.

Outside the lab, Gurion has spent most of his life playing soccer. He enjoys playing with his brothers, but  also takes the game seriously as captain of his U19 New York Soccer Club team in the MLS Next league. Soccer is a huge part of his life, and he knows it will stay with him wherever he goes.

So if you see him sprinting through the halls, don’t worry—he’s just chasing his goals and his desire to lead and learn.