Dons' Summer Highlights - Grace Grunsky '23

Grace Grunsky '23 is passionate about marine life and had the opportunity to spend three weeks exploring this interest at the University of Miami's Summer Scholars Program. Grace shares that she was able to participate in this unique program in which she made lifelong memories thanks to our Counseling Office and that she excelled due to knowledge she gained in her science courses:

"I first learned of the UM Summer Scholars Program through an email from the Cathedral Catholic Counseling Office, which listed many summer programs that rising juniors or seniors could attend. This program caught my attention because I am interested in attending the University of Miami. There were many different courses you could take, ranging from digital media to cancer cell biology. Due to my passion for the ocean, I decided to apply for the Tropical Marine Biology course. The courses at Cathedral Catholic High School (specifically Biology Honors and Anatomy Honors) gave me the upper hand in these classes. I was given the opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel in Key Largo, tag sharks and learn more about Florida’s marine life and ecosystems. Not only did I experience the university's academics, but also what the city has to offer outside of its campus.I explored the Everglades, Wynwood, Lincoln Road, attended a Marlins game, and much more. This program helped me feel more comfortable with the idea of college life. Being away from home for three weeks across the country can be daunting, but I am so glad I had this experience because of the knowledge, lifelong friends and great memories that I now have today."

Coral being grown in a lab and being prepared to be put on a nursery, which helps them create communities when put into the ocean.

An alligator Grace saw when she took a tour of the Everglades.

Grace and her classmates went swimming with dolphins for one of their classes. They learned about their anatomy and how the trainers use different techniques to train them.

During her time at Cathedral Catholic, Grace has been involved in National Honor Society, American Sign Language National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Best Buddies Club, Ambassadors, Options Mentors, and she has played on the volleyball, softball and field hockey teams.