Jake Grantham: Loves sports

Age: 13

School: Chinook Middle School

Grade: 8

Hometown: Born in Los Gatos, Calif., and moved to Olympia when I was 4 years old

Parents: John and Lynn Grantham

Best personal achievement: My best personal achievement is having won the Washington State Wrestling Championships twice, in 2006 and 2008.

How I spend my time: I spend most of my time playing football, baseball and on the wrestling mat. When I am not busy with sports, I love chilling out at our lake house with friends and family – fishing and doing water sports.

Favorite subjects: My favorite subjects are math and science.

Favorite movies: “Facing the Giants” and “Gridiron Gang.”

Favorite book: “Playing for Pizza” by John Grisham.

Dream job: After college, I dream about having my own fishing guide business.

Someone I respect: Someone that I respect is my previous wrestling coach, Mark Grindstaff. When we first moved here, I was 4 years old and would go to Perpetual Motion for parties and attended wrestling camps. At 5, I joined the wrestling team and Coach Mark was always so open hearted and supported me through the years. He pushed me to my highest potential and when I got there ... he pushed me to go even higher. Because of Mark and his positive influence on me – I have been in love with the sport ever since.

College I’d like to attend: Oregon State University on a full ride wrestling or football scholarship

Someone famous I’d like to meet: I would like to meet Lofa Tatupo because he is an amazing leader and athlete.

Someday, looking back on my life I’d like to be able to say: That I gave it all I had, that I did not hold back and I lived my life without any regrets.

The biggest challenge facing teenagers today: It has to be staying above the influence, especially in middle school and high school.

One thing in the world I would change if I could: I would end the war. I know a few families that have been without their father or mother for long periods of time because they are helping protect our country and our freedom! I am so appreciative for what they are doing for us, I just feel so fortunate that my parents are here for me when I wake up every morning.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years: I see myself in the middle of the ocean with a fishing pole in my hands and a big fish on the other end.

Staff comment: “Last year, I had Jake as a 7th-grader in my math class. He was always in a cheerful mood and brought a smile to not only my face during fifth period, but also to the students around him. This year, as an eighth-grader, he has stepped into a leadership role to the incoming seventh-graders as a fantastic WEB (a program that promotes the idea that everybody belongs to make the school as great a place as possible) leader, and also in the leadership class offered at Chinook.”

Katrina Dodge, math teacher, Chinook Middle School