Webb senior, Griffin Kleps, 18, moved to Old Forge from White Lake when he was ten years old.
In the fall, he plans to attend Morrisville State College for Residential Construction. “My dad works construction, and I want to follow in his footsteps,” he said.
Griffin says he chose Morrisville because he knows other students that attend, and it will be good to see a few familiar faces. “It’s close to Old Forge, but not too close,” he said.
His favorite class is Technology, with Mr. Bradish. “It’s a lot of hands-on learning, and outside of the book kind of things,” he said.
Mr. Bradish is also his favorite teacher. “He relates to us and tries to get to know us better. It’s easy to talk to him,” Griffin said.
He used to play saxophone, but says his senior year was just too busy and couldn’t find the time to play.
In the fall, he plays soccer. In the winter, he is as alpine skier with the Polar Bear Ski Club. In the spring, he plays his favorite sport, baseball. He plays both pitcher and third base.
Griffin is a member of Key Club, Student Council and Varsity Club.
In the month of March, Kleps was named the Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks’ Student of the Month.
Outside of school, Griffin keeps himself busy surveying with Will Hollister, working with John Russell doing caretaking, landscaping and carpentry. He also works with Alan Gibson Carpentry.
In his spare time, he’s an avid fisherman and hunter.
“I really like to be out on the boat as much as possible,” he said.
Griffin’s parents are Dave and Sharon Kleps. Dave works for Gaetano Construction, and Sharon is with Herron Realty in Old Forge.
He has two older sisters. Mallory, 20, is currently attending St. Lawrence University. Stephanie, 28, teaches in the Rome School District.
Kleps said his grandfather has influenced him the most. “He was a hard worker and came from a big family; he has had some medical problems but was a fighter and always got through them,” he said.
Griffin said he has too many great memories to pick a favorite.
He plans to work a lot this summer, but also plans to find time to play Legion baseball four days a week for Boonville.
“I’m going to miss Old Forge; I’ve had a lot of fun here,” he said.