The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Editor's Note: We will be profiling 3 seniors. Here is the first.

"You are at the end of your senior year." Grace Finke is the only child of Linda and Fred Finke and according to them she has always wanted to go to school, except starting this January she's been ready to move on.

When asked what the highlights were of her 12 years of school here she said, "I think spending time together as a community would be the highlight. Attending football games and basketball games which really brought the community together. I really enjoyed those times." The community where she grew up; the community where she knows everyone; the community where everyone gathers together, visiting, talking, and enjoying each other. This is the highlight of her years.

Grace is going to MSU to get a degree in accounting. "I am good at it, but it's not my favorite subject." History is her favorite subject, but it sounds like she hopes to find a career in agriculture in some area of math.

"Congratulations Grace. You are ready for your next step. Will your parents have a difficult time?"

"I know they will have a difficult time."

When Fred was asked if he was ready he said, "No!" He isn't ready. "It just has to be, it's just a part of life. It's time. She's ready."

What in Fred's mind were the highlights of Grace school years? "Well academics. We have a great academic program here. She also had music opportunities." Grace said, "I deeply appreciate music and I'm thankful to experience it. It's just that I don't see it as a career." Fred said, "She has music on 24 hours. Music will be a part of her life." Science Olympiad has been very good, and FFA! It's hard to narrow it down to one or two"

Grace replied, "I've really blossomed in FFA and the connection FFA has offered me," helped make her who she is. I know a large number of kids in agriculture across the state."

Linda said, "She had fun every year. She always wanted to go to school every year."

"The house is very quiet."