Rather than waking up an hour or two before the school day, Grace Nickas, senior, starts her day four hours earlier. On a typical say, Nickas wakes up and starts her drive to downtown Portland at 4:30 a.m.
“I’ve been rowing for four years now,” Nickas said. “I row for Rose City Rowing and we have practice before and after school every day.”
Rowing has become a big part of her life, and it motivates her every day. Even though she goes through every day in blistered covered hands, it is all worth it in Nickas’ mind.
“Next year I’m hoping to row for Gonzaga,” Nickas said.
When she isn’t rowing for them, you’ll be able to find Nickas in the science building as she prepares for her future as a nurse.
“My favorite class has been AP Biology,” Nickas said.
The motivation and drive that flows through her on race day is easily reflected through her years of high school. Nickas joined journalism to improve her writing skills freshman year, and since then has been a section editor, a business manager and now for her senior year, she is a co-editor-in-chief of The Amplifier.
“I know my dream job doesn’t have much to do with journalism, but writing articles and managing the paper is a great way to build various skills,” Nickas said.
With her packed schedule and future on the horizon, Nickas savors the few precious moments of free time she can find.
“When I can, you can usually find me napping or watching Netflix,” Nickas said.
![Game, set, and match. Corbin Atchley, sophomore, high fives Sanam Sidhu, freshman, after a rally with other club members. “I just joined [the club],” Sidhu said. “[I heard about it] on Instagram, they always post about it, I’ve been wanting to come. My parents used to play [net sports] too and they taught us, and then I learned from my brother.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/MG_7715-2-1200x800.jpg)
![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
![The teams prepare to start another play with just a few minutes left in the first half. The Lions were in the lead at halftime with a score of 27-0. At half time, the team went back to the locker rooms. “[We ate] orange slices,” Malos said. “[Then] our team came out and got the win.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_2385-1200x800.jpg)
