Grand County High School’s Students of the Month for March 2017 are Michelle Valdes and Ryan Reed.
Valdes, a senior, is the daughter of Carrie Valdes and the late Miguel Valdes.
One of Valdes’ favorite classes at GCHS is AP literature.
“It’s a very thought-provoking class, and my favorite teacher is Mrs. Simmons-Cameron,” she said.
In her mind, the most difficult class at GCHS is Math 1050.
“It was the most challenging class because math has never come easily to me,” she said. “This class was difficult but rewarding.”
Valdes played soccer from 10th through 12th grade, and was a team captain during her senior year. She also played volleyball and managed boys soccer, is in the National Honor Society and has participated in FCCLA.
Outside of school, Valdes has volunteered at the public library, for Bountiful Baskets, and assisted in Mrs. Jackson’s fifth-grade class.
She has also been working as a hostess and busser at Miguel’s Baja Grill since she was 14.
“I love the hustle and bustle of a restaurant,” she said.
After high school, Valdes plans to attend the University of Utah, where she will major in political science as a member of the Honors College, with a double minor in English and Spanish, after which she plans to go to law school.
Reed is a junior. He is the son of Ron and Laura Reed.
Reed listed several of his favorite classes at GCHS, namely robotics, 3D graphics, calculus, physics, band and English.
“Pretty much all but health and P.E.,” he said.
Reed says his most challenging class is English.
“It does not come naturally to me like other subjects, so I have to try pretty hard,” he said.
Reed has been involved with Science Olympiad and was a member of the cross-country team. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and has helped out with various activities and service projects around town.
After high school, Reed says he plans to attend college and “study as much advanced math as humanly possible.”
Valdes and Reed were recognized at the monthly school board meeting on March 15.
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. GCHS faculty members choose the selected students, and the Rotary Club and Grand County School District Board of Education also recognize them. The Elks started the program to recognize students who are outstanding in the areas of character, leadership, service, citizenship and scholastic performance.
