Grand County High School students of the month for April 2016 are Ariahna Groesbeck and Will Rhodes.
Groesbeck, a junior, is the daughter of Danette Groesbeck. She said that she enjoys all of her classes at GCHS.
“I like learning new things,” she said, adding, “Math is fun, especially when you understand it, and chemistry is fascinating. History is cool to learn and study, and English is awesome because I really enjoy reading and writing.
“I also like drama, art, and music classes because I enjoy being creative,” she added. “I have also loved taking Spanish for three years. It is such a beautiful language!”
When asked about her most challenging class, Groesbeck said, “Each class challenges me to a certain degree in different ways. I think it is a good thing to be challenged … it helps me learn and grow as a student.”
Groesbeck has been involved in the fall musical for the past three years and has also competed in two seasons of cross-country for the Red Devils, lettering both years. She also lettered in drama, participated in the school choir and performed and helped mentor younger performers in the recent Broadway review. She is a member of the National Honor Society.
Outside of school, Groesbeck has been involved with the 4-H organization as a volunteer leader and member of the teen council. She also volunteers for the Prevent Child Abuse program, and has been involved in various service projects and other activities, including service as a church youth camp leader.
After high school, Groesbeck says she plans to attend college in Utah; her top three choices are the University of Utah, Brigham Young University and Utah State University.
“I’m not sure what I want to major in yet, as I have an interest in so many things,” Groesbeck said. “I also want to get married and start a family.”
Rhodes, a senior, is the son of Jeff Rhodes and Catherine Clark. Rhodes said his favorite classes at GCHS are health and history.
“I’ve always liked history because of how it has affected us and how far we’ve come,” he said. “Health really helps you understand how the body works and how to treat your body.”
Rhodes is a member of the Red Devils baseball team, and is currently finishing up his fourth and final season with the team.
Outside of school, Rhodes works as a busser at the Moab Grill, where he has worked for the past three years.
After graduating from high school next month, Rhodes will attend Colorado Mesa University, where he plans to take courses to become an electrical power lineman.
The local Elks Lodge sponsors Grand County High School’s Student of the Month program under the direction of Frank Vaccaro. Jeff Richards is the high school coordinator. The Elks started the program to recognize students who are outstanding in the areas of character, leadership, service, citizenship and scholastic performance. GCHS faculty members choose the selected students, who are also recognized by the Rotary Club and the Grand County School District Board of Education.
