WAVA Middle School Student Exemplifies Perseverance, Leadership, and Heart

At Washington Virtual Academies (WAVA), we often meet students whose resilience and determination shine far beyond their academic achievements. Grace, an inspiring 8th grader from Marysville, Washington, is one of those students. Her story is not only about academic excellence and leadership but also about extraordinary perseverance in the face of challenges most adults will never experience.

Grace enrolled at WAVA during the pandemic, after her family conducted extensive research to find a school with both structure and independence. WAVA stood out as the perfect match, a place where she could grow academically, explore leadership opportunities, and manage her demanding schedule as a competitive dancer.

Now in her third year at WAVA, Grace is thriving in an environment that empowers her to excel at her own pace.

A Competitive Dance Journey Interrupted by Injury

For more than eleven seasons, dance classes and dance competitions were at the center of Grace’s life, a place where discipline, creativity, and joy collide. From long days in the studio to the thrill of competitions, Grace poured her heart into perfecting her technique, often training up to 16 hours a week. Dance was more than an activity; it was something she connected with deeply and showed up every day.

But everything changed in October 2024, when Grace suffered a devastating back injury. Because she is still growing, surgery was not an option, leaving Grace to face a long, careful recovery fueled only by patience and physical therapy. Overnight, her intensely active routine became impossible, but her passion never faded.

Now, more than a year after the injury, her scans show significant healing, and Grace continues rebuilding her strength with determination, discipline, and hope. Grace began slowly re-engaging in technique classes and continued fulfilling her dance commitments, currently performing in the evenings, and plans to participate in this year’s Snowflake Christmas Parade in Bellevue.

Making a Difference Through Eleven Years of Giving

Perhaps the most remarkable part of Grace’s story is her long-standing commitment to giving back. After being admitted to Children’s Hospital at the age of four, she has organized an annual toy drive to support children and teens in need.

What began as a small personal project has grown into a major community effort. Now in its eleventh year, Grace’s annual drive has raised more than $31,119 and donates over 200 toys each season. The initiative has also expanded to include a coat drive and home-curated Amazon Wish List options , allowing even more families to benefit from her generosity.

This year they chose The Marysville Community Toy Store and delivered their donations on December 3, 2025. Grace said: “They are a great organization, and they have a greatest needs wish list on their website.”

Grace’s kindness has become a holiday tradition not only for her family, which includes her three beloved companions, Toby, Agatha, and Dobby, who bring her joy, but for an entire community.

Whether she is leading a book club, speaking at ASB, excelling academically, organizing community drives, or rebuilding her strength after injury, Grace embodies perseverance, leadership, and heart.