Written by JESSICA SELF
To say Hemet High student Sean McGivney is busy would be an understatement.
But, academic decathlon is only the beginning on Sean's list of accomplishments.
This year alone, Sean is taking four Advanced Placement (A.P.) courses including chemistry, calculus, literature and composition, and economics. All the while he has maintained a 4.57 grade point average since his sophomore year.
"I guess I don't have much of a life," Sean joked. "But really, it keeps my mind entertained, all of the classes and stuff. It is a challenge."
Also a challenge? The Eagle Scout project which Sean recently tackled.
"I've been in the Boy Scouts since I was in second grade. It is a huge part of my life," Sean said. "I'm now part of the Venturing Crew Branch. I think I will always try to stay involved with the Scouts."
To earn his Eagle Scout ranking, Sean had to lead a service project that benefited the community.
Because Sean is also a senior member of the local Heritage Grange, an organization which raises animals and participates in service projects, he decided to help out the High School's Future Farmers of America organization with his project.
"All of the goat and lamb pens were moldy and rotten. They were just falling apart and animals were able to escape," Sean said. "We tore down everything except for the frame on five of the pens and remodeled everything from the gates to the hinges."
For the project, Sean raised over $2,000, more than was even necessary to complete the project. He also donated over 20 hours of labor.
"All of the extra money will go to the FFA for new feeders and other things they need," Sean said. "They don't get any money from the school anymore, so they need all the help they can get."
Holy Spirit Catholic Church also benefits from Sean's busy nature as he serves as a Eucharistic Minister for the church.
Sports are another of Sean's many activities. During his four years at Hemet High School he has played soccer, volleyball, track and field, and football. This year, he was Hemet's varsity quarterback and team captain.
"I couldn't play soccer this year because of academic decathlon, but I'm glad I stuck with it," Sean said. "Football is my favorite sport. I am planning on trying out for it at whatever college I go to."
Sean is hoping to attend the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.
"I have thought about joining the military since I was a little kid," he said. "I would either like to get into mechanical or electrical engineering with a nuclear emphasis or become a career military officer."
Sean said he is excited at what the future holds.
"It is definitely scary to think about being on my own for the first time, but the freedom is exciting," Sean said. "I think learning how to budget my time with all of these different activities is definitely going to benefit me in college."