PLYMOUTH – Laura Grube is breaking new ground for Plymouth High School. She is the first student in the school’s history to be selected as a National Merit Scholarship participant.
However, talk to the senior about her accomplishments and she plays it off as no big deal. When asked if her academic achievements have always been a habit, Grube shyly responds, “I try.”
“Laura is not one to brag about herself, so mom is here,” added Janelle Grube, Laura’s mother and a math teacher at Plymouth High School. “She gets involved in anything she can, and sometime in life I know she’ll have to learn to say no, but she’s on the right track.”
It’s important to point out that Laura Grube is more than a National Merit Scholarship participant, she’s a finalist. Grube was awarded the certificate of merit from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, and will compete nationwide with 15,000 finalists to be selected as one of 7,400 merit scholars.
“It proves that any student anywhere who wants to work hard, be persistent and wants to be successful, can be successful,” said Dr. James Metcalf, principal and superintendent at Plymouth High School. “We’ve had a lot of successful individuals come through Plymouth, and she will be one of them.”
Grube’s path to a National Merit Scholarship finalist began with taking the PSAT her junior year. Janelle Grube said the test is not offered in Plymouth, so those interested in it must travel to Crestview.
“Last year no one was interested,” said Janelle Grube. “This year only two students, including Laura, took it.”
Laura Grube scored in the 99th percentile for the PSAT, which qualified her to be a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist. In order to continue as a finalist, Grube submitted an essay detailing her involvement in school and the community, as well as her SAT scores.
“They were looking for great scores plus a well-rounded person, and I said she’s got a shot for that,” said Janelle Grube.
The essay of Laura Grube’s accomplishments in school is long. Grube serves as president of her student body, and is active student council, marching band and the Ohio Scholars Association. In addition, she is the lead in the school play and participates in jazz band, pep band, choir club and drama club. Oh, and she’s currently class valedictorian with a weighted 4.56 GPA.
“I like to be busy, and it’s fun,” she said.
Not surprisingly, Grube wants to major in music education at the college level. She auditioned and was accepted into the music programs at West Virginia University, the University of Kentucky and Butler University for her skill of playing the violin, an instrument she’s mastered over the past nine years.
“I really love music, it’s what I’m good at and what I enjoy,” Grube said. “I want to teach so people love music the way I do.”
Janelle Grube is supportive of her daughter’s career choice.
“She’s an excellent mathematician, but she doesn’t want to be,” said Janelle Grube. “She’s passionate about it; she said she wants to be able to get up and go to work and it doesn’t feel like work. Everybody wants that.”
However, Laura Grube insists her mother/teacher is a key part, but note the sole basis of her success.
“She pushes me, but I like to think I push myself, too,” she said.
Now she is playing the waiting game. Grube expects to find out about the National Merit Scholarship contest in April. Meanwhile, she’s going to enjoy her remaining time as a Big Red Viking.
Metcalf hopes that Grube’s accomplishments will inspire her peers in Plymouth.
“It’s more of a reflection on her family and her abilities, we’re just glad she goes to school here,” he said. “We’re fortunate to have her, and it should show everyone that you can do it, too.”
