Tanner Rubeli

If there is one thing The Meadows School senior Tanner Rubeli prioritizes as much or more than being an outstanding student, committed athlete and exuberant entertainer, it’s spreading kindness. “These days,” he says, “people are always so concerned with how different everyone is from one another. Yet, I find that this is not the case.” To prove his case, he makes a determined effort every day to connect with others through small, yet impactful actions. It might be as simple as telling a joke, offering encouragement or smiling at someone, but the intention–to make his peers feel like they’re all on the same team, united in an effort to live life to the fullest–is a noble one. For this positive, inclusive and enthusiastic approach, Tanner Rubeli is– A Step Above.  

G.P.A.: 4.58

Drama/Sports/Clubs:

• -The Meadows School Theatre, 2016-2018
• -Suite Surrender–Otis, 2016
• -Love’s Labour’s Lost: The Musical–Ensemble, 2016
• -Macbeth–Donalbain, 2016
• -Seussical The Musical–Wickersham Brother, 2016
• -Almost, Maine–Steve 2017
• -The Birds­–Ensemble, Priest, Oracle & Inspector, 2017
• -Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat–Benjamin, 2017
• -Blithe Spirit­– Bradman, 2018
• -Romeo & Juliet–Friar Laurence, 2018
• -The Meadows School Tech Theatre, 2016-2018; Greek Mythology (lights), 2016; Little Women (set), 2016; Legally Blonde (sound), 2017; Still Life with Iris (stage —manager), 2017; Wizard of Oz (set & backstage manager), 2018
• -Varsity Cross Country, 2015-2018
• -Varsity Wrestling, 2018-2019; Co-Captain, 2019
• -Swing Dance Club Founder/President, 2016-2019
• -Theatre Club Co-President, 2018-2019; Historian, 2016-2018
• -Honor Code Committee Co-President, 2016-2019
• -French Club Member, 2015-2019
• -National Honor Society, 2017-2019; National French Honor Society, 2016-2019

Awards/Community Service:

• -Academic Award–H French III, 2017
• -Academic Award–H English Literature & Composition, 2018
• -Academic Award– Acting I, 2017
• -National French Contest Bronze Medal, 2016; Silver Medal, 2017/2018
• -Cross Country 2A Regional Champions, 2015/2017/2018
• -Cross Country 2A State Runner-Up, 2017
• -National Honor Society 2017-2019
• -Beyond Limits Running 2013-2019
• -Boys & Girls Club, 2015-2019
• -Pali Adventures Summer Camp Counselor, 2018

What accomplishment are you most proud of? “I am most proud of inspiring campers and co-workers alike to be the best version of themselves at Pali Adventures Summer Camp. Pali is a sleepaway camp that I attended as a kid. As soon as I could, I applied to be a camp counselor so that I could play the role that I had always wanted to. I inspire and encourage campers to take leaps of faith, have fun and never give up.”

Is it difficult or scary for you to be in the spotlight? How do you prepare? “To be honest, it is not scary for me to be in the spotlight. I love it. It’s fun. It’s crazy. It’s who I am! And the wonderful camaraderie of cast members is exhilarating. To get out there and give a good show, I get myself as hyped as I can with some dancing, warm-ups, and maybe some shadowboxing, of course.” 

What is your strongest personal quality? “I believe that my strongest personal quality is that I am brave. This has inspired me to not only ask bold questions in the classroom, but take grand leaps of faith in my life that bring me to new heights.”

It seems like you just sort of fell into wrestling. How did that happen? “I’ll admit, I became involved with Varsity Wrestling on a dare, but I instantly loved it! Starting it as a senior was extraordinarily challenging, but by working as hard as I could, I ended up having a wonderful and successful year in it! The intensity, difficulty, and adrenaline-inducing nature of the sport is addictive and enthralling!”