SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Grahm Zygadlo – A Mind for Numbers, a Heart for People.

With a warm sense of humor and an ability to bring out the best in others, Grahm naturally draws people in and always has a way of making a strong entrance. 

Though growing up in relatively small schools throughout his life (Being Nature's Way Preschool and Saint Agustine), Grahm attested to his deep-rooted values as being fostered by a tight-knit family of four and shaped by the guidance of both his parents. From his dad, Grahm learned to be smart about life, to work hard, and to expect nothing to be handed to him. From his mom, he picked up compassion and empathy—skills that make him thoughtful and deeply connected to those around him.

A natural competitor, Grahm has made his mark in both golf and tennis. He placed in the top 10 for conference points in golf last season and has ranked high in multiple 18-hole tournaments. In tennis, his hard work earned him an honorable mention all-conference recognition. His golf game was inspired by his grandfather and honed over countless rounds with cousins. He looks up to pros like Xander Schauffele for his calm confidence and powerful swing.

But sports are only part of the picture. “Although I enjoy them,” Grahm admits, “I’m a bit of a geek.” His true love lies in the classroom, especially in accounting which is his favorite subject. Hence why he’s chosen to pursue it at UGA’s highly ranked business school. There's something about the clarity of an "A" that fuels him. Doing well in school doesn’t just make his day, it gives him peace. "Being the best helps me rest." (An absolute bar by GZ)

Despite being known for his focus and "drive" (both mentally and on the golf green), Grahm isn’t all numbers and notebooks. He’s charismatic, mature, so-very tuff, and known for always doing his best. He values loyalty and deep conversations, and he’s the kind of person who listens as much as he talks. 

Outside of school, you’ll likely find him fishing (a hobby he picked up from his dad), golfing, hanging out with friends, or writing lyrics. Those close to him would argue he’s the closest thing the world’s had to a GOAT white rapper since Eminem. Whether he’s hitting the green or the beat, Grahm always gives it his all. What can't this guy do?

He hasn’t always had it easy. As a kid, he found himself in more than a few scrapes—cracking his head open on a glass table, breaking his arm after jumping off a swing—but those moments have made him more cautious and thoughtful. “Life isn’t always fair,” he once said, remembering a spelling bee judge who misheard his correct answer and disqualified him. “But you have to make the most of your situation.”

Looking ahead, Grahm is excited to take the next step in life, soaking in everything UGA and the world have to offer. Still, his heart remains rooted in Michigan. One day, he hopes to return, raise a family, and stay close to the friends and loved ones who helped shape who he is.

As Grahm leaves Hackett, he does so with gratitude: “I will always cherish and value the people I met and the memories I made here,” he says. “I believe they will lead me to live the rest of my life to the fullest.”