Grant Snyder gets his senior pictures taken at Stadium Field. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Eighteen-year-old Grant Snyder dreams of making the world a better place.

Snyder has known that he has wanted a career in law enforcement since the eighth grade. He plans to study criminal law in college and hopes to work for the FBI.

“Growing up and hearing about the FBI always interested me and made me want to become a part of it,” he said. “I want to be a special agent so I can make an impact in whatever area I’ll be put in.”

Snyder has committed himself to play football at Bethany College after high school. He received seven offers to play college football, but thought Bethany College was the perfect fit.

“I chose Bethany College because it felt like the perfect place for me,” he said. “Beautiful campus, great coaches and it has what I’ve wanted to major in.”

Grant Snyder stands against a picture of him (54) from the Big Reds versus Cabell Midland game last year. (Photo Provided)

Snyder also has an interest in serving his country in the army. He plans on joining the military after his college career.

“It has always interested me because I’ve seen so many soldiers put their lives on the line for this country and it really inspires me,” he said.

Snyder is a Parkersburg High School student with a 3.65 GPA, who enjoys studying civics and mathematics.

“I enjoy civics because I love learning about history and how our constitutional laws work,” he said. “I take trigonometry and pre calculus honors, because my 11th grade math teacher put me in the class since I’m good with numbers.”

Snyder is one of four captains of the Big Reds varsity football team and has been playing football for 11 years. He plays middle linebacker. Snyder received the Mason Roberts Heart award for his hard work and dedication in football. He also earned his second team all conference with only five games played, due to a broken elbow.

Grant Snyder, center, blocks against Bridgeport in a scrimmage match last year. (Photo Provided)

“I enjoy the sport due to my desire to compete,” he said. “Playing the game and being put in difficult situations make me feel amazing.”

Snyder volunteers in his community through football and his community service class. With the Big Reds he has helped move tires for Custom Fitness in Vienna, clean up the streets in north Parkersburg and move Molly’s Pet Pantry in Vienna. In his community service class, he helps the weight training teacher with whatever needs done.

“It makes me feel good to help improve the health of other students,” he said. “I do it because I have a lot of knowledge on weightlifting and nutrition.”

In his spare time, Snyder loves weightlifting and conditioning. He also enjoys studying football film of professional players to help improve his knowledge of the game.

Grant Snyder (54) walks onto the field with the Parkersburg Big Reds during the 2022 season opener versus St Albans. The Big Reds won 52-0. (Photo Provided)

Grant Snyder, second from the right, volunteers with his fellow football players to move tires for Custom Fitness of Vienna. (Photo Provided)

Grant Snyder is a Parkersburg High School senior who plays middle linebacker with the Big Reds football team. (Photo Provided)