Cool kids: Busy teen keeping his options open

Clinton Slovarp is a Rock Roller, not a rock ‘n’ roller. While he does play a mean piano and the French horn, he is a member of the Rock Rollers Club, a local group of rock enthusiasts.

Slovarp, 15, has hundreds of specimens in his room, organized and cataloged on shelves and in drawers. He found his first, a quartz crystal, when he was about 5, and he’s collected them ever since.

“It’s fun to dig and find them,” he said. He even owns a rock saw that he purchased with his own money at a Rock Rollers Club auction.

His hobby may or may not lead him into a career in geology. “I want to do as much as possible and not close any doors right now,” he said. “I want to keep my options open and dreams unfettered.”

As of now, Slovarp has many options. A sophomore at West Valley High school, he is a 4.0 grade-point-average student who takes advanced classes and is active in the Link Crew. He’s also a sports writer for The Spokesman-Review’s teen paper, The VOX, which will be distributed at area high schools.

“More than his accomplishments, however,” said his mother, Kim Slovarp, “what really makes Clinton stand out is his inner self. He is unselfish, giving, loving, and has a unique ability to know when others need a helping hand.”

She said that Slovarp helps care for his younger brothers Mason, 12, who has multiple disabilities, and Ryan, 2.

“Having a younger brother with disabilities has taught me not to take things for granted, to be thankful for those things I can do well, and to use my talents,” he said. “I also learned early on that helping other people is very rewarding.”

Slovarp also plays golf, basketball, and water-skis. Next year, he most likely will go to Eastern Washington University for Running Start.

“I know what I need to do to be successful, and I strive to be the best individual I possibly can.”