Congrats to Connor Swasey & Tatum Packard: Grand County High Students of the Month

Smiling young man and woman outdoors, standing in a garden, wearing casual summer clothing.
Smiling young man and woman outdoors, standing in a garden, wearing casual summer clothing.

Grand County High School has announced seniors Connor Swasey and Tatum Packard as the Students of the Month for May, recognizing their academic achievements, leadership, and contributions to the school and community.

Connor Swasey, son of Casey and Colman Swasey, is a dedicated student-athlete who has excelled in both academics and sports during his time at GCHS. Some of his favorite classes included medical studies with Ms. Carling and Woods class. He found concurrent enrollment classes, such as STATS 1040, to be among his most challenging academic experiences.

A standout on the football field, Connor played all four years and earned honorable mention for the All-State team in 2023 before making First Team All-State in 2024 as a defensive back. He served as a team captain and also participated in baseball, wrestling, and track. Outside of school, Connor has been actively involved in service projects with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Connor has also balanced work alongside his studies, starting at Subway at age 15 and currently working at his grandparents’ business, Beeman Drilling. After graduation, he plans to attend Southern Utah University this fall. His advice to current students: “Always work hard whether that be in the classroom or on the field — it will make your life easier.”

Tatum Packard, daughter of Travis and Janae Packard, is another standout senior whose commitment to academics and community involvement has earned her recognition. Her favorite class was medical terminology, which she took a year early, enjoying the challenge of piecing together complex medical vocabulary. Though chemistry proved difficult at first, Tatum said it became one of her favorite subjects once she understood it.

Tatum’s extracurricular achievements include participation in cross country, track, golf, and basketball. She has earned multiple academic honors, including being named the top medical terminology student, top medical anatomy and physiology student, and was named the 2025 Southeastern Utah General Sterling Scholar Winner.

Beyond school, Tatum owns and operates Concessions on Center, a snow cone business she purchased at age 13. Now in her sixth summer of business, she manages a team of seven employees. She also works as a certified pharmacy technician at Moab Regional Hospital. 

After graduation, Tatum will continue her education at Ripon College in Wisconsin, where she will run cross country and track. She plans to pursue pharmacy school following her bachelor’s degree. Her advice to fellow students: “It costs nothing to be inclusive and look out for those around you.”

Grand County High School congratulates Connor and Tatum on their well-earned recognition and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.

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