Senior spotlight: Grayden Brenneman

Picture 1: Grayden Brenneman (orange helmet) rides dirt bikes with his friends on March 21, during his quarantine. Brenneman and his friends were on a 14 day quarantine after going on a Spring Break trip. This was before the Miami County lockdown. “Let’s go ride,” said Brenneman. [Photo by Hannah Billesbach] Picture 2: Leyton Wheeler, Grayden Brenneman, Noah Bowden, Evan Peuser, Javi Castillo and Jordan Billesbach, seniors, went to Pensacola, Florida, for their spring break and senior trip. “It was fun, but I am glad to be home,” said Billesbach. [Picture credits from Kim Billesbach] Picture 3: Grayden Brenneman gets off work after helping his dad with construction on April 2. He plans to help run a business this fall after he graduates. After his 12 hour shift he then has to go to his other job at Family Center. [Photo by Hannah Billesbach]

Hannah Billesbach, Reporter

Grayden Brenneman, senior, said his senior year has taken a turn he never thought would actually happen. Brenneman and all seniors have lost prom and graduation. He also will not be able to play his last season of baseball as a Panther.
“It sucks not being able to play your last year because your senior year is supposed to be the best year,” said Brenneman.
Brenneman has learned not to take things for granted. He has learned that it is time to move on from what happened and make the best out of what he’s got.
“It really doesn’t seem real but at this point, there is nothing I can do about it,” said Brenneman.
He has been able to hang out with his friends. They ride dirt bikes and fish to spend time together, but keep their distance from each other. He will also start working full time at Family Center. After high school, Brenneman plans to help take over his dad’s construction business.
During spring break, Brenneman and his friends took a trip to Pensacola, Fla. He went with seniors Jordan Billesbach, Noah Bowden, Evan Peuser, Leyton Wheeler and Javi Castillo. This was their way to spend time before all going their separate ways this fall, he said.