There are balanced students, and then there is Grant Harned, a senior at Community Christian Academy.
Harned is a four-year co-ed cheer squad member - and captain this year - as well as a track and field athlete.
As co-captain of the cheer squad last year, he also was baseball team captain.
When the well-spoken Harned isn't salsa dancing, he's holding down a 4.0 grade-point average and serving as CCA's yearbook editor.
"You try to get involved in as many things as you can," Harned said. "And really try and get the whole school experience. I've really enjoyed it."
That level of involvement, paired with Harned's level of accomplishment, helped him earn Teen of the Week honors.
Harned, son of Rhet and Mary Harned, is the Murray State University Teen of the Week. Each Monday, the Sun features a different MSU Teen of the Week selected from nominees submitted by high school guidance counselors throughout western Kentucky and southern Illinois. In May, a Teen of the Year will be chosen from the weekly winners, earning a $5,000 scholarship to Murray State. Teen of the Week is part of the Sun's Newspapers in Education program.
Harned said his sprawling interests and work ethic burst open his freshman year during cheerleading.
"Cheerleading got me out of my box," Harned said. "I went from being an introverted individual to being a lot more extroverted."
"When the object of your sport is for people to look at you and be impressed ... it definitely changes your perspective."
That burst is still tapering off to varied activities and a zest for anything new. He initiated a Bible study and tutoring program at CCA. Harned enjoys both the well recognized and lesser-known aspects of academics. Last summer he attended the Governor's Scholars Program. He said creative writing, especially poetry, is a passion.
It's the same with his charity. Harned helped raise $1,500 to pay for missionary work in Romania, and mixed and poured a concrete foundation for a building for an elderly couple.
His teachers noticed the involvement and balance, too.
"Grant is amazingly consistent in his studies," said Bob Troutman, CCA history teacher. "He has the unique ability to manifest success with humility and dignity."
Teacher Ken Owen said, "Grant Harned is one of the finest young men I have been acquainted with during my 34 years of teaching."
As Harned mulls over his college choices - the University of Kentucky, Georgetown College and the University of Evansville - he really wants only one thing before next fall.
"I just wish I had more hours in a day," Harned said.
Contact Adam Shull, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8653.
