January 30, 2024

Umatilla Top Student Looks to Graduate Early and Pursue Her Education

1.7 min read| Published On: January 30th, 2024|

By Cynthia McFarland

Umatilla Top Student Looks to Graduate Early and Pursue Her Education

1.7 min read| Published On: January 30th, 2024|

Gracelyn Roach

Something people might not know about me: I’m a triplet, the oldest sister by 1½ minutes to brothers Nathan and Seth, also 17, and big sister to Mikah, 15, and Jude, 8.  

Most unusual thing about being a triplet: People always ask me what it’s like sharing a birthday, but I don’t know anything other than being a triplet.

One of my greatest accomplishments: My ability to love people who don’t necessarily love me. When I’m afraid and show courage and persevere, it’s not me doing it, that’s the Holy Spirit in me. 

My favorite subject in school is: History. I’ve been blessed to have amazing teachers like Bryan Totten.

I am also interested in: I go down random rabbit holes and like to learn about different conflicts, how they were resolved and the consequences.   

My closest friends describe me as: Christian. Kind. Caring. Motivated.

Outside of school: I spend a lot of time with my horse, my dog and driving my little brother and sister around to activities. If I’m not working on school, I’m usually reading.

I am inspired by: My parents, James and Tiffany Roach, and grandparents D.C. and Kathy Cook and Jane Roach inspire me in all areas of my life. My grandfather, Jim Roach, died in February. I consider him a huge influence, too

My message to the world: You can do hard things. Take advantage of the people around you who love you and can help you.

Future plans: I fast-tracked through the Cambridge AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) program and will graduate a year early, in May. I got accepted to Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, and also applied to UF’s honors program. I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian for several years, so I may get a degree in biomedical science and transfer to a vet school.

Pets: I have a Maltipoo, Gilbert, and my horse, Cooper, a buckskin Connemara. Both have Instagram accounts!

A belief I live by: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10.  

Leave A Comment

About the Author: Cynthia McFarland

"I fell in love with words early on and knew from fourth grade that I wanted to be a writer,” says Cynthia McFarland. A full-time freelancer since 1993 and the author of nine non-fiction books, her writing has earned regional and national awards. Cynthia lives on a small farm north of Ocala; her kids have fur and four legs

Share This Story!

Never miss an issue,  Sign-Up for the Style Newsletter!