Gray Bearden – Top Scholar, Class of 2026

Each year, Grays Harbor College recognizes the students who graduate with the top GPA in the class. Graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA, Gray Bearden is one of the top scholars in the Class of 2026.

Degree

Associate in Science – Transfer (Track 2), Engineering/Computer Science

What was your favorite class at GHC and why?

Engineering Physics 221, 222, & 223 with Dr. Hillier. Applying physics to real world situations was challenging and entertaining, and the labs were very interesting as physics principles exist in everything we do.

Did you participate in any extracurricular activities while attending GHC?

• ASB President, Ocosta Jr/Sr High School
• Ocosta School Board Student Representative
• Band/Pep Pand (Saxophone)
• Knowledge Bowl, Team Captain – Placed 6^th in the state in 2023, 8^th in the state in 2025, and 6^th in the state in 2026.
• Math Team Participant (State competitor)
• Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) – I competed at the regional competition where I qualified for the FBLA state competition for Public Speaking and Computer Problem Solving.
• National Honor Society
• Track and Field
• Golf
• GSA Club, President
• Ocosta News Network (ONN – ONN helped spread news to the community during the pandemic and for morning announcements. I also participated in research, drone work, and community outreach regarding tsunami preparedness with the University of Washington College.

What are your future educational and/or career goals?

I will be attending the University of Washington Paul Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering

What advice would you give to future students?

Communicate with your professors and ask for help if you need it.

Would you like to recognize anyone for supporting your educational journey?

I would like to thank my family and all of the supportive staff I have encountered at Grays Harbor College, especially Professors Dr. John Hillier, Diane Muir, Sean Lyons, and Jaime Reino.