Max Anderson is a member of the Marietta High School crew team. (Photo Provided)

MARIETTA — When Max Anderson’s family moved to Marietta from California seven years ago his adjustment to the area was hindered by the COVID-19 virus.

Since then he has progressed and is taking the first steps toward a career in physical therapy.

Anderson is a rising senior at Marietta High School and the Washington County Career Center, where he is a student ambassador. He is the son of Guy and Michael Anderson of Marietta.

He started in Marietta schools in the fifth grade and shortly after that the schools closed due to the virus.

In a letter he wrote to be a member of the National Technical Honor Society, he wrote about his adjustment in moving to the Mid-Ohio Valley during a very trying time.

Washington County Career Center student Max Anderson, right, with Brandon Pierce, owner of Piercing CrossFit in Marietta. (Photo Provided)

“When school reopened for my seventh grade year to those who chose to be in the classroom, not many did,” he wrote. “I was one of eight kids in any class at any time. With the uncertainty of the times I had yet to feel the timing was right to join any clubs or organizations.”

He added not many were available due to concerns about spreading the virus.

During this time he was inducted to the National Junior Honor Society and in high school he joined the crew team

Today he is a full time student at the career center. While he has completed his classes at the high school, he is a three-year member of the crew team. Anderson said he is planning for a fourth year.

Handling the demands of the career center and crew will be challenging but not impossible, he said.

Max Anderson dressed for a school formal event. (Photo Provided)

“It can be pretty tough,” he said. “I don’t get much free time anymore.”

He is enrolled in the sports medicine and exercise science program at the career center.

He was named to the Junior National Honor Society at Marietta High School and the National Technical Honor Society at the career center.

As a student at Marietta High School he took the standard curriculum with classes in biology and chemistry.

He has taken some college level courses at Washington State College of Ohio.

Max Anderson helping to get ready for a rowing competition. (Photo Provided)

He was named to the Dean’s List for spring 2025

Anderson said his interest in sports medicine came out of his experience on the crew team.

“Ever since I joined the crew I realized my interest in fitness and exercising,” he said. “I thought that would be a perfect path to get into something in that field.”

Anderson said his favorite aspect of the program and classes is that they are hands-on.

“It’s not just class time, we are actually doing a lot of things,” he said. “We are learning hands-on skills like wrapping and taping.”

Max Anderson, center, with parents Guy Anderson, left, and Michael Anderson, right. (Photo Provided)

Since he began the program, Anderson has earned certifications in the field.

“So far I have the Stop the Bleed certification, CPR, AED,” he said.

Soon, Anderson said, the classes will cover physical therapy. Ultimately his goal is to be a physical therapist.

Anderson has had the opportunity to shadow a professional.

“I shadowed Brandon Pierce,” he said. “He owns Piercing CrossFit in Marietta.”

Max Anderson waits for a competition to start. (Photo Provided)

At this time, Anderson said he would like to attend Marietta College for his bachelor’s degree.

“I really want to be on their crew team,” he said.

As for study beyond the four-year degree, Anderson said he has not decided what school would be the best fit.

Anderson said he would like to be his own boss.

“Eventually owning my own clinic would be cool,” he said. “That is the end goal.”

Anderson was in the Skills USA competition for medical terminology. He won at the regional level and placed sixth at the state level, he said.

Jeffrey Saulton can be reached at jsaulton@newsandsentinel.com.

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Max Anderson with Lauren Copen of the Washington County Career Center at the National Technical Honor Society 2025 induction ceremony. (Photo Provided)

Max Anderson with his certificate at the Washington County Career Center National Technical Honor Society 2025 induction ceremony. (Photo Provided)