Grand County High School’s students of the month for January 2016 are Megan Pfnister and Kenyon Birdwell. Both are juniors.
Pfnister is the daughter of Petenia and Todd Pfnister.
She said that math is her most challenging class, but also the most interesting.
“We have amazing math teachers,” she said.
Pfnister has played soccer for the Lady Devils for three years, including a stint as a team captain during her junior year, and winning the team’s MVP defender award her sophomore year. She has also participated in track and swimming. She is a member of the National Honor Society and plays clarinet in the school band.
She has worked at Moab Yogurt (Moyo) since April 2014.
Pfnister plans on going to college to become a teacher.
“My plan is to teach sixth grade at a private school,” she said.
Birdwell is the son of Chelsea and Drew Birdwell. He also said that math is his most challenging class, yet he called it his favorite as well.
“Math helps me as a person and teaches me to adapt and overcome,” he said. “The challenge makes it fun and worth it.”
Birdwell has participated in basketball, soccer and football for the Red Devils. He appeared in the school musical last fall, and is active in the local Episcopal Church, where he serves as a youth group leader and takes part in service projects.
Birdwell also volunteers at Moab Half Marathon events and helps coach youth soccer teams and basketball camps.
Birdwell has worked during his summers, including as a yard worker and as a youth sports coach. “Most of my work is volunteer, but I do enjoy making extra money, though,” he said. “During the summer, I work, but during school, I focus on academics and athletics,” he said.
Birdwell said he plans to go to college and pursue a degree in sports medicine or therapy.
“I want to be able to help young athletes reach their full potential,” he said.
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. The Rotary Club and the Grand County School District Board of Education also recognize the students.
