Trevor Graves: Opportunity of a Lifetime

Two years ago, Trevor Graves had the opportunity to change his life. Born and raised in Wenatchee, Trevor was homeschooled by his mother Victoria while also maintaining a five-route newspaper delivery for the Wenatchee World to help support his family. Once he turned 18, his mother offered him a choice—either go to school or get a job. Trevor immediately jumped at the opportunity to attend Wenatchee Valley College.

“I knew that the best option would be to come to school,” Trevor said. “I realized that most jobs require a GED and so I am taking the steps for myself as well as my family.”

Although he is dyslexic, that has never stopped Trevor from participating or helping others. He has served as a volunteer lifeguard and coach of the Unified Relay Team at the

Wenatchee YMCA, attended the state Special Olympics twice and has helped at the Lake Wenatchee YMCA summer camp. Currently in his second year at WVC, he is working toward his GED and taking Adult Basic Education classes. Trevor looks forward to helping other students enrolled in the classes, just as the Adult Basic Education faculty helped him, particularly retired faculty Sharon Martin. “They are helping push me harder to get my GED,” he said.

“Trevor has a great deal of knowledge about the GED programs at Wenatchee Valley College, and he has made invaluable contributions to the achievement of the students he works with,” said ABE instructor Larry Schreck. “Trevor is very goal-oriented and he challenges his fellow students to set high goals for themselves and to work to achieve them each day.”

“I’m one that likes to help others; I put others before myself,” Trevor said.

He recently became a volunteer firefighter, explaining that he hopes it will aid him in his future dreams, which include taking college courses to become an EMT and a certified nursing assistant.