Hudson Fishleder: Being Himself, Saying Yes to Hard Things Vintage High School Class of 2026

Hudson’s educational journey didn’t begin with the steady stride he possesses today. "Bumpy" is the word he uses. As a child, his family moved from St. Helena to Chicago. Changing schools was difficult because it was tough to make friendships or discover his interests.

That changed in the third grade when he arrived back in Napa Valley at Vichy Elementary (Now Vichy TK-8). There, Hudson found a system that offered him the opportunity to explore his interests across academics, athletics, and the arts.

"Beyond the structure, I loved the activities," Hudson recalls with a smile. "One of the most memorable was the Jog-a-thons. No matter where I was—Browns Valley or Vichy—I looked forward to these events every single year.

In fact, he loved them so much that he felt frustration with their timing. "I hated that they were at the beginning of the school year," he laughs, "because then there was less to look forward to for the rest of the year." At Vichy, and later Browns Valley for middle school, Hudson found his place.

Finding his footing at school was one thing; learning a bit more about who he is was another. When Hudson stepped onto the Vintage High campus, he did so in the wake of what he calls a family legacy. In his mind, his older sister had set the standard for academic achievement, and Hudson wanted to live up to that standard.

"Every time I went into class, I wanted to live up to her," he admits.

The trajectory of his high school career shifted during a meeting in the office of Vintage High School College Counselor, Kelli Watkins. Hudson shared, "She's someone who is generational. She is a once-in-a-generation person."

Ms. Watkins had worked with Hudson’s sister, always maintaining a fierce belief and sharing it with anyone who would listen: "These kids are going to go someplace." Sitting across from Hudson, she asked a single, pointed question: "Do you want to be like your sister?" 

"I want to be better," Hudson replied.

From Hudson’s recollection, Ms. Watkins looked at him and shared: "No, I can't help you do that. You need to be yourself."

Yourself is something that Hudson excelled at. He went from being a self-proclaimed middle school "couch potato" to a cross country and track and field athlete. Initially picking up running just to stay in shape for basketball, but unexpectedly falling in love with the sport.

"Everyone says running is a punishment," Hudson smiles, "but I love it."

Running became a mechanism for dealing with the stress of a grueling high school schedule. As a top student tackling rigorous coursework, Hudson was learning how to manage his mind and his time. "I'm not someone who can sit and do homework the entire time," he explains. Instead, he works in blocks, taking breaks, and uses running to clear his head.

It was during his sophomore year that he connected with Coach Shari Costanzo—a beloved first-grade teacher at Vichy and a coach at Vintage. Though Hudson had known of her reputation from his friends since elementary school, meeting her as an athlete was impactful.

"I was a 'no' person," Hudson reflects. "But Coach Shari encouraged me to say yes. She told me, 'You can do hard things.' It was a full-circle moment. She genuinely wants the best for me, and I wish I had run more for her."

Coach Shari knows a thing or two about doing hard things herself. She is an accomplished long-distance runner who has completed over 50 marathons—an unreal accomplishment on its own. In 2023, she completed her sixth and final World Marathon Major in Tokyo, adding to an elite resume that includes the Boston, London, Chicago, Berlin, and New York City marathons.

Emulating that spirit and saying "yes" unlocked an even greater level of leadership within Hudson. Over his eleven years in the district, his work behind the scenes grew exponentially. As a Student Board member, the sheer volume of hours he dedicated to district policy and governance meant that he often jokes he "knows more district staff and retirees than students at his school."

Behind Hudson’s immense success is a rare combination of humility, intelligence, and a calm, thoughtful nature. He has spent his high school career quietly serving his community—whether as a Teaching Assistant in the Spanish department, a student voice on the school board, or a leader on the track, field, or anywhere he can run.

Now, the student who once ran the fields of childhood jogathons is preparing for a big leap. This fall, Hudson begins at the University of Michigan, where he plans to continue his rigorous academic pursuits and run in club sports.

For the past year, Hudson has kept a specific, vivid metaphor in his mind to process the transition that awaits him.

"You're going to jump off this cliff, and it's going to be so fun," he says, describing the thrill of the future. He pauses, "Now I am looking down, and it’s time to jump."

Equipped with the knowledge of who he is, that he can, indeed, say yes and do hard things, Hudson is ready for all that comes next.