But Groves will be continuing his high school education about 3.5 hours away.

Groves recently was selected for the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science program at Fort Hays State University.

He first learned of the program this past September. He said that when he received the letter, the possibility of pursuing the program didn’t register that high on his radar, but as he learned more about it and meeting with Abby Anderson, KAMS coordinator for marketing and recruitment, that changed.

“I thought the program was super neat,” Groves said.

The THS student was on track with most requirements involved in applying for the program this past fall, aside from ACT testing.

Groves took the ACT in October and then again in December and February. He also submitted most of his information in December as well.

Those requirements also included some “evaluations” from teachers, as Groves described it. The KAMS selection committee relied on written recommendations from the student’s teachers, coaches, parents and mentors as part of KAMS criteria.

Candidates are chosen by grade-point average, class ranking, ACT score, resume of school involvement, community service and general preparedness for independent living at a younger age. For the last criteria, KAMS enrolls up to 40 students per class statewide. Enrollment comes with full coverage of tuition, books and laptop. Board and food are covered by families.

In March, Groves learned that he had been accepted into the program.

Groves continues to be part of the THS Class of 2022 even though he will be attending KAMS classes at FHSU. His degree will be from Tonganoxie High School as the classes in Hays will be dual courses through THS. He’ll have the opportunity to also receive an associate’s degree from Fort Hays State.

With school building closures during this past spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Groves missed out on some notable activities, including Community Service Day and working with students from sister school Topeka High as part of those Community Service Day activities.

The distance learning in the spring also meant he missed out on being involved in Chieftain Singers a bit longer.

“Mr. Gifford is a phenomenal teacher,” Groves said, referring to THS vocal director Tom Gifford. That was probably one of the favorite classes and things to be a part of in Tonganoxie.”

Groves’ history teacher his freshman year, Rita Costello, heavily supported his pursuit of the KAMS program and provided the type of encouragement for future growth that can truly inspire a student from a small town.

He also noted that history teacher Matt Beat, who is involved in the Community Service Day partnership with Topeka High, is a “phenomenal” teacher as well.

Groves has been in the Tonganoxie school district since fourth grade. He played several years rec league soccer and played basketball through his freshman year. He also recently was inducted into Tonganoxie’s National Honor Society chapter.

As of now, Groves will be taking courses at FHSU for 16 weeks to start his KAMS studies there. The current plan calls for a hybrid approach of in-person and online class sessions as institutions continue to address educational plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Groves likely willl learn more particulars soon about how those classes will be structured as schools statewide start to roll out 2020-21 plans.

As for long-term plans, Groves would like to pursue a degree in business finance or business management and then become an entrepreneur.

He’s also leaning toward earning a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, which was the alma mater of both his mother and uncle.

Asked about whether the decision to attend classes the next two years in Hays was a difficult one, Groves said it was more of a surprising decision, but he was glad he pursued it.

“You don’t have to do the traditional route to go and do more with yourself,” Groves said. “I feel like that gets lost in our small little world that we live in.”