Caddying up to a bright future
Meet Ari Groves, an ASU Preparatory Academy Phoenix student who is redefining what it means to be an “overachiever” in a college preparatory environment. At just 16 years old, Ari has already:
- Tackled 10 ASU college courses
- Earned a significant number of college credits
- Mastered the art of reading golf greens
- Set her sights on the prestigious University of Cambridge
We sat down with Ari to learn more about her journey from a hesitant freshman in her first year of high school to a driven future marine biologist focused on higher education and college readiness.
Finding community in the heart of Phoenix
Like many high school students, Ari wasn’t immediately sold on a new school. “I first heard about ASU Prep Phoenix from my mom,” she said. “At first, like any other teenager, I was worried about uniforms and things that didn’t matter.”
However, after diving deeper into what the school had to offer, including strong academics, college preparation and opportunities for hands-on learning, Ari embraced the transition.
Today, she credits the school’s tight-knit environment for her growth and college preparation.
What I love, personally, about being an ASU Prep Phoenix student is the support I get. Teachers and counselors are so supportive and helpful and there are also so many sweet students and amazing friendships that blossomed from being a part of this school’s community.”
From the fairway to the future: The Evans Scholarship
When she isn’t in the classroom, you’ll likely find Ari at the golf course, but not necessarily with a club in her hand. Ari is currently working part-time as a caddy, building time management skills and hoping to win the Evans Scholars Foundation scholarship, which provides full tuition and housing for hard-working young caddies.
“Working on the course teaches responsibility and conscientiousness early on,” Ari says. But the benefits go beyond the scholarship. For Ari, the golf course has been a place of personal transformation and career exploration.
“I haven’t always been good with people, but I meet so many cool golfers and caddies at work. They’ve helped me discover new music and shared their life experiences with me. I’ve also learned so much about golf, like the different parts of the course and how to read greens. I never thought I’d be a ‘golf person,’ but it’s actually really fun.”
When she’s not at school or work, Ari enjoys extracurricular activities, like singing, drawing, painting and reading. “I have many, many books and lots of art supplies and oil pastels,” she said. “It’s a good way for me to express myself while also doing something calming. I think what I do most, though, is listen to music. It’s addicting to me.”
A passion for the deep blue
Ari’s academic record is nothing short of staggering. She has already completed college-level courses in everything from Sociology to Environmental Science, demonstrating strong critical thinking and college-readiness.
“So far, I’ve taken many college classes,” she said. “PSY 101, HST 100, OGL 194, HST 101, SOC 101, BIO 145, HCR 230, BIO 100, SOS 100, BIO 130. These classes are: Psychology; history to 1500; online learning success; history since 1500; sociology; marine biology; culture and health; biology; sustainability and environmental sciences. I have taken any extra courses I could, and I think it’s important to take them because they add up toward my credits. I also have lots of knowledge about different topics, and I’m only 16!”
ASU Prep covers the cost for students to take ASU classes for credit as non-degree-seeking students, helping reduce future college application stress and admissions process barriers. This commitment to removing barriers recently earned ASU Prep Phoenix the 2025 ACT School of Excellence award, making it one of 26 schools in the country and the only school in Arizona recognized nationally for its dedication to expanding college access.
The goal is for every student to graduate from high school with at least 12 credits, but Ari is already well ahead of that. She’s one of more than 30 students from ASU Prep Phoenix on track to earn her AA before graduation, strengthening her college admissions profile and impressing admissions officers.
Her ultimate goal? Moving to the UK to study at the University of Cambridge and pursue her degree. “I want to major in something science-related, preferably biology-based, as I’m a really big science girl. I absolutely love marine biology and microbiology,” she said, already mapping out her future career path.
While her interests are broad, her heart belongs to the water.
“I guess I have a theme,” she said. “I want to go to school and get a job that has something to do with science. I think marine biology has caught my eye the most. I love the ocean, swimming and learning about the animals in large bodies of water and how they live is just so interesting to me. The different waters, habitats and ecosystems; I can’t help but want to be a marine biologist and learn more.”
When asked what advice she would give to fellow students who might like to follow in her footsteps, Ari doesn’t hesitate: Consistency.
“Not just education-wise, but at work, too,” she said. “I always stay consistent with my courses and do any extras that I can. I have been called an overachiever, but I think that sits well with me. I do what I have to do and more. While working at the golf course, consistency is key. Showing up to the course and picking up loops helps contribute to earning the scholarship!”
Gratitude for the journey
Ari is quick to point out that she hasn’t done this alone. She credits her success to the mentors who have guided her along the way, specifically her freshman and sophomore-year English teacher, Ms. Brie Whitneybell, and her school counselor, Serina Trevino.
“Ms. Whitneybell is amazing, funny and so uplifting. She’s talked with me about everything from careers to high school jobs. And Ms. Trevino has been incredibly encouraging,” Ari said.
Ms. Whitneybell said she has had Ari in both 9th- and 10th-grade English. “Ari is an incredible student who is goal-oriented and driven to be successful,” she said. “It truly is awesome to see students like Ari be successful here at Prep, and it is just as amazing to see her flourish.”
“I’ve known Ari since the start of 9th grade, and she’s honestly such a joy to be around,” said Counselor Trevino. “She’s one of the most resilient and persistent students I know. She doesn’t back down when things get tough and is always open to learning and growing. She’s genuinely kind, respectful and just a really good person.“
Ari works hard, has big goals for herself and is someone I can always count on to follow through. I’m really grateful I’ve gotten to be part of her journey.”
Ready to help your student turn curiosity into a meaningful future?
With a strong support system, a relentless work ethic and a deep love for marine biology, Ari Groves shows what’s possible when students are empowered to explore their passions. At ASU Prep, the sky and the ocean really are the limit.
Explore how ASU Prep Academy supports students from Pre-K through grade 12 with personalized learning, real-world opportunities and a community that meets them where they are. Register for a virtual information session, attend a campus tour or schedule a conversation with an advisor to see how your student can start building their future.
