Silas Coogle

Birds hang out on a wire, simply enjoying the yellowing sunset and each other’s company. But, even while the birds remain content on their wire, the inevitable winter causes them to fly apart.

While we aren’t birds, the Class of 2024 has graduated, causing fellow grads to take up their own individual migration patterns away from high school. One of those seniors is none other than GRC’s resident bird lover, Silas Coogle.

Soaring to new heights while inside the hallowed halls of GRC, Silas has managed to create a reputation of academic and artistic excellence for himself. Most recognizable as one of the wittiest of the senior class, Silas seizes every opportunity he can, all while wearing bird shirts.

“Birds have been a part of my life since I was very small,” says Silas. “I have a pet cockatiel and I raise chickens, and I also enjoy birdwatching. Birds are a large part of the reason why I plan to study biology in college. I’ve always been fascinated by living things because it seems almost impossible that something so complex and precise could be real.”

But even while birds are a pivotal part of his inviting personality, Silas’s knowledge extends beyond just the realm of winged wonders. Being named as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, Silas has had his academic excellence expand beyond our county’s limits.

Being a National Merit Scholarship Finalist is not the only title Silas has received this year, however. State Poetry Out Loud runner-up, Outstanding Witness in Mock Trial, and Awardee of the University of Kentucky’s Singletary Scholarship are some of his accomplishments from this year alone.

Even with all of these accomplishments, Silas remains one of the most humble students in the entirety of our school. In fact, he shows that it is okay to be extremely skillful at many things, but unsure of what path you want in life.

“I’m still not entirely sure what I want to do career-wise after college, but I want to find a path that is fulfilling every single day,” says Silas. “I also want to continue to surround myself with people that make me happy!”

Showing an interest in biology, Silas plans to study at UK this fall. Luckily, having participated in both GSP and GSA, he feels that these programs have helped prepare him for college life.

But these programs aren’t the only ones that have had a positive impact on Silas’s life.  Participating in the arts, both in and outside of school, and taking part on numerous teams, Silas has gained valuable skills from these activities.

“The fine arts programs at GRC and Leeds Center for the Arts have helped me learn the skills of performance and expressions,” says Silas. “The GRC Mock Trial team has taught me a lot about teamwork and communication. I am extremely grateful for the communities and friendships I have formed through these activities.”

Having the support of teammates and cast members has been crucial for Silas’s high school career. Even participating in some of these activities with his own sister, Silas’s supporters have helped him prepare to leave the nest.

In fact, some of Silas’s biggest supporters seem to be the people he shares the spotlight with, whether that is teachers, friends, and even family. While he plans to pursue a degree in biology, these art-related activities have been a driving force behind Silas’s determination for many years.

“Even though he’s my big brother, we’ve always gotten along really well, and we’re both really into theater, so it’s cool that we’ve gotten to be in some shows together in the last few years,” says Sylvie Coogle, Silas’s sister. “I have seen every show that Silas has been in since his first show ever which was the Lion King Kids at Strode Station Elementary. His love for theater and talent has grown so much over the years.”

Silas Coogle has been the picture of determination and willingness for the past four years. Truly pursuing his own passions, GRC’s resident bird expert has never backed down from doing the things he loves.

So, while we aren’t birds who can hang out on a wire, sometimes having reliable supporters can make all the difference in embarking on your own adventure. All it takes is the willingness to spread your wings.