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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Wyatt Parish
By JoEllen Collins for The Weekly Sun
Wyatt Parish, a senior year at Wood River High School, has a 3.4 grade point average and is student body vice-president.
“I have worked hard in school,” Parish said. “I especially enjoy history, and received an A in my Advanced Placement U.S. History course. I really respected my teachers and how my classmates stimulated thinking. We shared many views about the world and learned to examine what happened, to understand the truths about events.
“Teachers here really care about students and take time to help and counsel them,” Parish continued. “I want to thank all of my teachers for pushing me and encouraging me to do my best.”
Next year, Parish plans to attend Boise State University, where his brother Braxton is currently a student, and hopes to be a financial advisor.
“I love my family for always being by my side,” he said. “I am lucky to be a native of a community that feels like one big family.”
In addition to his academic work, Parish participates in many school and community activities. He is active in all of the events the Student Union plans, volunteers for The Hunger Coalition, assists Blaine County fifth-graders in a reading program, and serves as a student advisor/coach for younger boys learning to play football.
Parish is passionate about football, and has played both quarterback and defensive back.
“Our team is noted for the brotherhood our players have formed,” he said. “We have developed strong friendships and are very close to each other. We all recognize the strength we have, even though this year was more difficult, and what we have within may not have been reflected by our win-loss record.”
Parish was not able to play this year, but, at the end of the season, he was awarded the Bob Shay Award for most inspirational football team member. He was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was in sixth grade.
“I missed being out there on the field with my team, but I was able to sit with them every game,” he said.
Parish deals with pain, a traumatic brain football injury in the eighth grade (a concussion lasting eight months), and recent surgeries on his aching feet.
“I have learned good lessons through my struggles,” Parish said. “I appreciate and love my family even more for how they have always been there for me. I can manage pain more fully, and I am committed to having a positive attitude whenever possible. I also plan to keep being respectful and appreciative in order to succeed and be proud of whatever I am able to achieve.”