The best advice for making friends in high school might go like this: Find something to become connected to, whether it’s a sport or club, singing or dance team, that you enjoy doing and will lead you to people who will be some of your best friends.

 

With nearly 2,000 students, the many ways you can connect with your school community is an important and essential part of Grimsley’s culture. 

 

Junior Antony Pena joined JROTC and the cross country team at Grimsley his freshman year. By getting out of his comfort zone, Antony has been able to make the most of his time at Grimsley. 

 

“My freshman year I started going to football games, and since I got involvedI in JROTC, we would clean up the stadiums the Saturday after the game,” Pena said.

 

 “Overall, the different experiences and friends I've made freshman year are what made the rest of my time here until now amazing. So don’t be afraid to try new things! Do a sport, join a club, whatever. It really does make all the difference with your experience here.” 

 

Another great opportunity to get involved in campus life is the Club Expo at the beginning of the school year. Different clubs set up tables near five points as a way to connect with new members. 

 

“I got connected at Grimsley through the club expo, and hearing my friends talk about the different clubs,” Sophomore Katia Lopez-Giron said. 

 

Lopez-Giron is involved in clubs such as DECA, (Distributive Education Clubs of America), and L’amities International, a pen pal club with students from France!

 

“Getting involved has made me learn so many different skills and ways of thinking that have shaped me into who I am today,” she said.

 

Alumna Andi Liegh Waldrop is a senior at Appalachian State University and took full advantage of the opportunities at Grimsley. She was a student ambassador, helped with the food pantry and sang with the Madrigals. 

 

“Getting involved shaped my high school experience because it gave me a feeling of belonging and purpose and allowed me to meet new people,” she said. “I gained skills such as leadership, time management, and communication, which has served me well throughout my college experience.”

 

Grimsley alumna Emily Phillips put herself out there as a freshman and made a built-in group of friends through the volleyball program. “I found myself through my sport and friends groups so I knew what I wanted when choosing my college,” said Phillips, now a freshman at Averett College. 

 

These are only a few examples of how finding connections at Grimsley can improve your high school experience. Asking friends and neighbors about their experiences at Grimsley can be a rewarding experience and show just how much spirit and love Grimsley provides. 

 

Future Whirlie Roland Goree is an 8th grader at a small middle school. Goree is looking forward to meeting new people and having new experiences that will shape his high school career. “I can’t wait to attend football games,” he said, “and get involved in clubs that interest me.”

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Check out some of our articles about the different clubs and activities at Grimsley:

Cher Ami: Club L'Amitié Internationale at Grimsley is building international relationships through pen pal letters.

Tight Knit: Grimsley Needlework Club Started by Two Sophomores

Objection Your Honor! Grimsley's Mock Trial Club prepares students for the future.

Giving Back to Grimsley: Grimsley Goods finds ways to create a better Grimsley.

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