With his constant jokes and an optimistic, contagiously positive personality, Malik Grant makes his presence felt in any situation, whether on the tennis courts, in the basketball gym, or with his violin. A senior at SHS, Grant has become recognized for his excellence in these three activities, no easy task, particularly between balancing school and a social life as well.

He began playing the violin 11 years ago, beginning what he expects to become his career. He plans to attend Sheridan College after high school, unless an he can receive a scholarship somewhere else for music. “The music motivates me, the experience, the final concert and result,” he says. His accomplishments include going to All-State three years and likely a fourth for his senior year, as well as All-Northwest his sophomore year and this year as well. All-Northwest, Grant’s favorite memory from orchestra, is a compilation of the best players in a several state area. Only 12 players from Wyoming can make it.

There is an interesting contrast between the classical music Grant plays and his everyday personality. “Malik works extremely hard with his violin” says friend junior Trace Addlesperger. While away from music he is “easy-going, kind, funny.” It’s hard to be around Malik for too long before breaking out in laughter. He commands attention through his joking and personable nature. “He has a very colorful personality,” said senior Haydn Jones. Outside of his school-related endeavors, Grant says he enjoys “hanging out with friends, practicing my violin, playing basketball and skateboarding.”

Grant also has successful high school careers in both tennis and basketball. One of the few seniors on this year’s basketball team, he is expected to have a large role as a player and leader. He has played basketball for years now, but says “tennis is my favorite sport this year; it’s the most fun.” A varsity tennis player for all four years of high school, Grant played number one doubles for the third straight year, finishing the highest of his career this year at fourth place.

“Well, this was the best season I could have asked for. We made it to the last day of state and finally placed at state winning fourth. The team did really well as well. It was a very good year,” he said about this year’s tennis season, an obvious source of pride as previous years have not been so successful.

As a team captain, he was leader for the Sheridan team that placed third overall, one of the highest finishes in school history. Doubles partner, sophomore Adam Berry, reflected on the season playing with Grant and said, “It was a ton of fun. He had a ton of doubles experience and gave me a lot of advice. He has this personality about him that I have yet to see in someone else and he was a blast to be around.”

All of these activities have shaped Grant’s life in different ways, forming a character that has become well known around the school and will be missed after his graduation as he goes on to pursue a career with his violin. He says his work in orchestra and music as well as sports has “taught me work ethic, told me that work ethic is very important to succeed in life.”

Malik’s parents are Ken and Mary Grant.