teen spotlight
photography by Gretchen B Photography
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16, 10th grade at Spain Park High School
notable
Youth Judicial; Key Club; Dance Team; Debate Team; Teenage
Republicans; Law Academy; Sweetheart Guild for the American
Heart Association
how it began
Growing up, Grace Friedman’s parents exposed her to many
opportunities in hopes that it would help her find her passion in
life. The exposure paid off. She has become committed to service.
Since 9th grade, she has worked with the Teen Court County
Volunteers and has served as a tornado relief volunteer. Grace
also realized the need to look beyond her community, for which
she credited her 9th grade law teacher. “He told our class that we
all are small parts in the universe, but we each have the power to
make our universe better.” As an effort to improve the universe we
all share, she has started training early for public service. In 2014
and 2015, Grace presented and debated Legislative Bills as a SPHS
representative at the Alabama YMCA Sponsored State Competition in the Montgomery Senate Chambers.
what’s next
After high school, Grace plans to attend college to obtain a degree
in political science and/or history. However, she doesn’t plan
to stop there. After law school, she plans on becoming either a
Federal Judge or a U.S. Senator to ensure she leaves a legacy of
“someone who stood for justice and upheld the ideals of integrity
and honesty.”
PG (parental guidance) rating
Grace has grown into an outstanding young lady dedicated
to conquering her aspirations in life. Though she has come in
contact with many people whose own service has motivated her,
she gives her parents the most credit. “My parents have been the
biggest inspiration in my life. They have shown me that I have the
power to direct my future. Also, they have been very supportive
of my interests and activities.”
grace friedman
Hoover, AL
parents’ perspective
“[Grace] is very comfortable speaking one-on-one to an individual or presenting in front of a large group of people. She is very
comfortable interacting with people regardless of age, education
level or topic of discussion,” said Renae and Jay Friedman. Grace’s
parents really admire how “she i