WRHS senior graduates early, readies for adventure
By Emilee Mae Struss
Isabelle Green is, technically, a Wood River High School senior, but she has already graduated. Green and her family moved to the Wood River Valley when she was in third grade, from Saratoga Springs, Utah.
Her childhood memories are heavily steeped in the popular elements that make the Valley such a desirable place to live. Her father taught Green how to ski in third grade. She spent time outdoors, learning from the simple sounds of nature. And she received a high-quality education, which she is very thankful for today.
“The teachers at Wood River High School are so amazing,” Green said. “You can get such a good education there, and I knew that before but I really realized it when I left.”
Green left her junior year with her mother and two siblings for the adventure of a lifetime. They traveled to Asia for three months, staying mainly in Thailand. They also traveled to Vietnam and Malaysia, each for two weeks.
“I really liked learning about the different cultures,” Green said. “It was an out-of-this-world experience that not a lot of people get to have.”
Green continued her schooling online and was able to finish high school a semester early.
“I’ve always worked really hard to be ahead in school,” Green said.
During her time at WRHS, Green played the cello in orchestra for eight years and took five years of Spanish. She says that the small class size and the genuineness of the teachers at WRHS are what make that school second to none. Green now lives in Provo, Utah.
“Here (in Provo), the classes have a lot more kids, and I didn’t realize that, until I left, how lucky we were out there,” Green said.
Next year, Green will attend Utah State University. She isn’t sure what she wants to study yet, but she likes helping people and spending time with kids. And she doesn’t have much time at Utah State—just one semester—before she leaves again.
“I will be leaving on an LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) mission when I turn 19,” Green said.
She will be on mission for a year and a half. Green isn’t sure where she’s headed yet but already cannot wait for the time to arrive.
“It’s what I’ve been waiting for,” Green said. “I’m looking forward to more experiences and serving others. Then I will know more about who I am and what I want to do.”
Green may not return to the Valley for more than a visit for some time, but her memories of this place are instilled in who she is today. Green says that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hailey introduced her to many individuals whom she greatly looks up to today. She also mentioned her mother, NiCole Green, who is her biggest inspiration. And, a woman Green refers to as her ‘second mother,’ Jenn Merrick, and her family.
“All of those people have had such a great impact on my life,” Green said.
Editor’s Note: Anyone who would like to recommend a Blaine County School District student for The Weekly Sun’s “Student Spotlight” feature should contact Emilee Struss at emilee.struss@gmail.com.