Staff at Grand County High School have announced that Zoe Olsen and Samuel Camey are this month’s honored students.
Senior Zoe Olsen (parents: Natalie and Jeremy Olsen) will be heading to Brigham Young University this fall, beginning her studies in business with an emphasis on data and analytics. Her passion for math started at GCHS.
“Math is another fascinating way to describe the world and how it works,” she said. “It is a challenge that requires a lot of time and thought, but I find it very rewarding.”
Zoe was recently named a Sterling Scholar in Drama and is currently the Drama Club president. She is also the vice president of the GCHS DECA chapter and served as Debate Team captain for a year. Outside of school, Zoe works for The Synergy Company and participates in the Student Advisory Council to the Utah State Board of Education.
“This has given me some really cool opportunities to act as an advocate,” she said. “Through this council, I have had the opportunity to work on drafting a bill that would increase mental health funding for schools and be a part of a student panel for the National School Board Association.”
“I have learned that what I have to say matters,” Zoe said. “Whether I am asking a question or contributing to a discussion in class, or advocating for things that are important to me, I have learned that my voice is important.”
Senior Samuel Camey (parents: Monica Ovando & Vilsar Camey) found his passion on the soccer field at Grand County High School. The senior competes as a striker and midfielder on the GCHS team, which currently has a 3-1 game record early in their season.
Competing on the team has given Samuel a feeling of deep commitment and grit.
“I would say I am in a forced leadership role throughout my soccer team,” he said. “I don’t really see myself as a leader but with my team, I have to, so I give it my all.”
That commitment helps in his studies, as well. Despite the difficulty of his AP calculus class, Samuel was able to bear down and learn not only the math, but some lessons as well.
“It’s ok to feel pressure,” he said. “Pressure is a normal thing that will never leave. But working through it will always make you stronger and smarter.”
Samuel is a drummer for Victory Church. “[I] love every minute of it, expressing my love for music and also glorifying God,” he said.
Samuel looks forward to playing soccer in college and moving toward a career he enjoys.
Congrats, Zoe and Samuel! We’re glad you’re a part of the Moab community!
