Award-winning grad off to U-M

Oxford High School’s top graduate in the class of 2004 is on her way.
Laura Grai, 18, has been named a Regents Merit Scholar and LSA Merit Scholar by the University of Michigan; has received the Scholar Recognition Award from the University; and has already been named one of WXYZ-TV Channel 7’s ‘Brightest and Best.?
‘I was really surprised when I received all of this because I didn’t have to apply for anything,? said Grai. ‘U-M considers everyone so I didn’t think I would get anything, and Channel 7 takes the top of each school. I was so surprised, it’s so much.?
Grai, who has lived in Oxford for six years, graduate from OHS with a 4.0 grade point average. She was involved with yearbook, National Honors Society, the Math Club and Peer Mediation.
In addition, she works at The Scrapping Post and plans to continue doing so when the store rebuilds and reopens following the recent fire.
Grai learned about the Regents Merit Scholarship, for $1,500, and the Scholar Recognition Award (for $33,500 over four years) back in November. She was told about the LSA Merit Scholarship (for $30,000 over four years) in February.
‘This has all been so exciting,? Grai said. ‘I felt like all the hard work was worth it. I knew that everything had paid off finally.?
Also, area residents can watch for Grai this summer when Channel 7 airs their 25th Annual ‘Brightest & Best? Salute to high school seniors.
Over 230 top high school seniors are featured in the video presentation.
As for the future, Grai said she is still currently undecided about her major, but is considering going into political science or math.
‘I like to travel a lot,? she explained. ‘During college, I definitely want to study abroad. I’d like to possibly go to Greece, Paris, maybe even London.?
When asked what piece of advice she’d give to the senior class of 2005, Grai had only one response:
‘Remember that even though you want to have fun in high school, and then get out as quick as possible, you also need to work hard. Try your best in all your classes and get involved whenever you can.?