Academic All-Star – Trinity Elementary

Published April 24, 2015

Eleven-year-old Rien Griggs is a well-spoken, thoughtful student who understands the value of hard work. So when it came time for teachers and administrators at Trinity Elementary School to select an Academic All-Star, the choice was clear.

“Rien is a responsible student who frequently volunteers to assist others,” said principal Chris Schwartz. “He is thoughtful and inclusive of his peers and is always respectful of his teachers and friends. Rien participates in school activities and is a leader at Trinity. We are very proud of him!”

As he finishes up fifth grade, Rien says he’s going to miss all of the wonderful teachers at Trinity Elementary.

“The teachers push you to work hard but they’re not mean about it,” said Rien. “They take their time and they’re patient with you.”

Rien’s favorite subject is social studies because he enjoys learning about the past. In his free time, he plays sports like football, baseball and basketball. Although he’d like to be professional athlete one day, Rien says he has even loftier goals in mind.

“I want to help people,” said Rien. “I want to try and end poverty. I’d like to try and play sports and if I don’t make it, I want to help end poverty.”

No matter what he does, Rien says he’ll stay focused on his schoolwork thanks to some wisdom he learned from his parents.

“My mom and dad always tell me to do my best in school,” said Rien. “They practically say it to me every day. They tell me to just try and do my best and if I push myself as hard as I can I will grow stronger and have more brain power.”