Wow! The first Grindstone Scholar set the bar high. Zachary shared with us how he uses the Pareto principal to be more productive. He was a dual enrollment student, worked a part time job in media technology, built his own website, and even started a foundation. Zachary is already making a positive impact on his community. We look forward to learning how much he can capitalize on his potential.

Caleb knows how to get things done. He worked 50 hours per week during summers for a landscaper and until 10pm after school washing dishes. Caleb learned that he wanted to work in HVAC while helping his dad volunteer at Glenwood and Bell Center Early Intervention. Caleb is an exceptional young man and we are thankful that he is part of our community.

Even as a middle-schooler, when responsibility knocked on the door, Richard answered. He worked all through high school and volunteered to be the shop manager of his automotive service technician class. Richard was a dual enrollment student and  pushes himself to learn new skills, including interacting with customers. He is a good steward and takes care of the people around him. 

Whether at church, school, or at work, Brayley is active and productive. Backpack Buddies, Future Business Leaders of America, and Volleyball are just a few activities she is involved in. Additionally, she is the office manager for an HVAC company.

In her own words, this commitment and experience "...has taught me about hard work, determination, and focus, and about being a great teammate. I have grown personally and gained confidence with each passing year..."

Murphy is a carpentry student and  is part of the National Honors Society. He has theater experience and takes AP classes. After we were wowed by Murphy's Grindstone application, we learned through his carpentry teacher what a standout he is. Murphy had been keeping his own volume of notes and carpentry best practices since his first year in the program...without anyone asking.

This wasn't required...he just has a drive for excellence. His teacher didn't even know until the last month of his senior year. Now, every new carpentry student will receive "Murphy's Law" directly from his own hand...to prime them for success in the program.

Check out this answer from Murphy's application. We love to see young people take on personal responsibility.

"My drive to succeed comes from my feeling that I am responsible for my own success. I believe that only I can build a future for myself, and so I work hard. Furthermore, my drive to succeed comes from how I want others to see me succeed, such as my parents—I want them to see me do great things."