Grimsley Senior Alexander Carpenter poses for a photo. Photo by Kevin Massey Film By Grimsley Student Wins State Competition Golden Dawn director and Grimsley senior Alexander Carpenter aspires to be a successful filmmaker. By Ashley Crowell April 4, 2024 Many people dream of being famous one day, becoming a successful musician, athlete or actor. One Grimsley student is already well on his way to achieving his dream “to become a renowned filmmaker, a name that everybody knows,” said Grimsley senior Alexander Carpenter. Carpenter’s latest project is Golden Dawn , a post-apocalyptic style film that was recently named the winner of the NC Filmworks competition. His project has been shown in several film festivals in the state and also will be featured in the Grimsley Playmasters Film Festival on May 17. As part of the competition, the filmmakers are given a required prop, line of dialogue and a selection of film genres from which to choose. Golden Dawn follows three characters in a post-apocalyptic world who are going to steal gold from a cult. “It’s a pretty wild story, but it works well,” said Carpenter, laughing. Carpenter created the film for the competition with some of his classmates in the IB Film class taught by Mr. Matthew Ringrose. “Some of the crew I had worked with on other projects, making films and acting,” said Carpenter. “Some of the crew were working on The Haunted Tour at the time and so I was able to ask them.” Carpenter and his crew had just one week to create the film as part of the competition. “The filming process was kinda tough because there were so many other productions going on, like The Haunted Tour and a bunch of testing…so scheduling was really hard.” Despite having many challenges during production, including microphone malfunctions and restricted shooting times, the team managed to finish in time. “My favorite part of the production was how smooth everything came together,” said Carpenter. Carpenter has had lots of practice putting together film projects and working to have everything come together. “I used to make short little films with a GoPro camera that I had and a couple of other cameras,” said Carpenter. “I was always interested in how people made films and made special effects for films, and that got me interested in editing and putting things together.” Carpenter is well on his way to becoming a successful filmmaker, having won this competition the previous year, yet he continues to seek opportunities to grow and learn more about his art. “The inspiration for this film was kind of an improvement on my project from last year…and I wanted to do a better job of storytelling and creating a more fully designed set.” Storytelling remains the foundation for Carpenter’s films, and he continues to use all of the different elements of filmmaking to tell that story. “Since film is a mostly visual medium, the ability to tell a story through what you’re seeing on the screen, and not necessarily just some dialogue, is something that I really look up to.”

Poet Zai'ere Watson, Photo by Kevin Massey Poets Rainey Thompson (left) and Nasir Crawford (right) Three Grimsley Poets Voted Finalists Poems by Nasir Crawford, Rainey Thompson, and Zai’ere Watson were selected in the GCS poetry competition. By Ashley Pritchett April 4, 2024 Three Grimsley students were voted finalists for their submission of poems in Guilford County Schools’ High School Poet Laureate Project. In March, judges from different schools selected Nasir Crawford, Rainey Thompson, and Zai’ere Watson after carefully considering and critically analyzing their submitted works. Crawford, a ninth grader, is one of the winning contestants of the poetry contest. He is the author of the poem “Why the Sky?” In his poem, Crawford describes his delivery of an alternate perspective of the accompanying world that we are swallowed by. Crawford depicts the stress of societal restraints as he embodies a bird flying through the wind passing the sun. “I want to fly past the sun, and see how far I can get without using my eyes.” The remainder of the poem highlights tumultuous times and the hardships of life that can result in growth, regardless of the scars left behind. Crawford describes his poem as painting a verbal visual of himself. Crawford explains how he is able to sow himself into his poetry like a seed and bloom along with the formation of the poem. Initially, he was inspired by rapper Tupac Shakur’s poem, “The Rose That Grew From Concrete”. “When I saw Tupac’s work for the first time,” said Crawford, “ideas began to flood my mind.” “I revert to poetry to indulge in the ideas that my mind creates,” said Crawford, “and I try to display those pieces into characteristics that attribute to the person I find in myself in the foundation of my poems.” “Poetry uncovers your soft spot,” said Crawford. “People see me as a big tough guy and wouldn’t expect me to write poetry, but I’m really a chill laid-back person.” Another one of the winning contestants is Rainey Thompson, a junior. She is the author of the poem, “The Flow.” In her poem, she alludes to the feeling of her mind whirling, emptied of coherent thought as if she is in a dream. “I spin around in circles, traveling along with the air, Getting caught up with the leaves.” Thompson tries to draw a picture of stillness caught in a rapture of the effects of personal emotion and its contributing attributes in her poem. “I create a pathway between dreams and nature by comparing and connecting them to capture the essence of time passing by,” she said. “For I get restless, and I find myself walking through the green fields.” Most of her poems follow a scheme that pertains to nature and dreaming. “I seek to display the feeling of going places you never may have dreamed of going,” said Thompson. “I hope to continue to write and share my works with others.” She is eagerly looking forward to the next step in the advancement of her poetry. “I’ve always loved to write, even since I was five.” Grimsley’s final winning contestant is Zai’ere Watson, a 10th grader. She is the author of the poem What is love? In her poem, she peers into the depths of limitless love. “Love is a journey, an endless quest,”she said. “I delicately unravel the presence that love takes over in our lives.” “It’s the strength to forgive, to heal the pain, to cherish the moments when two hearts remain.” Watson said she tried to take a universal emotion, capture it, and give it a story in her poem. “Love can be unspoken yet heard, it is located in the pits of our hearts and stretches out towards others like the branches of an evergreen tree,” she said. “It’s the power to uplift, to inspire and create, a love that transcends a love that’s innate.” Watson strives to redefine the meaning of love in her own way and elaborates on the mental strife that comes along with love. “I like to place specific reminders throughout my poems that remind the reader that love is found within hope and grace and that we are love,” she said. “For in the depths of love’s embrace, we find solace, hope, and grace.” Watson is able to express herself through her poems. “Writing is my safe haven. I like to go with the flow as thoughts and ideas flood my mind causing me to place pen to paper and write down my thoughts,” she said. “I like to refer to my poems as 12 a.m. poems because they’re random and I often write them at night, “ Watson said. “I hope that I am able to deliver a message to my readers that they can interpret for themselves.” Why the sky? By Nasir Crawford I wish I could fly Everyone is asking me for a reason why I wanna fly past the sun and see how far I can get without using my eyes. Why? Because I am who I am for a reason it’s no reason for me to lie I'm going to just fly as high as I can until the day I die The reason why is that there is no limit to the sky. So if there is no limit to the sky. There should be no limit in my eyes or my mind Sorry if i got off subject but some of you needed to be remind. Remember who you are you can become anything you want no matter the scars You keep moving forward because as soon as you look back that’s When everything falls apart Im not like the teachers imma tell you what it really is They keep the truth away from you just to hide you and their fears You gotta face your fears to get where you wanna be no matter if it comes to tears Now let me tell you a lil about myself And how i made it here without no help even when i had to put everything on the shelf Might be a lil cook but ion care its not for anyone else The Flow. By Rainey Thompson I spin around in circles Traveling along with the air, Getting caught up with the Leaves, Going nowhere. I search for something in the Sky, I search for something in the Stars. I land down on Jupiter And travel on to Mars. Then I catch a ride with the wind Back to earth again. I land safely on the grass… and The weather is fair. But then my bones being to ache From sitting. For I get restless, And I find myself Walking through the green fields, Searching for something else .. Somewhere. What is Love? By Zai’ere Watson In the tapestry of life, love weaves its thread, A force that’s felt, in words left unsaid. It’s a gentle touch, a warm embrace, A connection that time cannot erase. Love is a journey, and endless quest, Through highs and lows. We give our best. It’s the strength to forgive, to heal the pain, To cherish the moments when two hearts remain. Love is a language, unspoken yet heard, A symphony of emotions, no need for a word. It’s the power to uplift, to inspire and create, A love that transcends a love that’s innate. So let love guide you, on this path we share, Embrace its essence, handle it with care. For in the depths of love’s embrace, We find solace, hope, and grace.

After a decade of silence, Grimsley's student voice returns. Reviving a century-old newspaper legacy, The Whirlie Post connects Grimsley's vibrant community. Through self-expression and camaraderie, we build our future upon the foundations of the past. What Happened to the School Newspaper? Join us as we dive into the history of the High Life. By Heidi White Jan. 29, 2024 Have you ever heard of family members getting school newspapers or have you seen them on TV shows? The high school newspaper is a popular fixture of American culture. “The newspaper is a greater treasure to the people than uncounted millions of gold,” said Henry Ward Beecher, an influential clergyman of the 19th century. Many students may not know that Grimsley once had a newspaper called High Life. It ran in the school from 1920 to 2013 and would include school events, sports, local news stories, stories about athletes, and the issues students cared about. Several editions featured letters to the editor concerning Vietnam War protests, illegal drug use, and even opinions on the student dress code. A special edition was dedicated to the graduating seniors and included popular features such as the senior class's will. Ms. Lynn Rozelman, a fixture at Grimsley from 1998 to 2021, taught Yearbook, Newspaper and English. Yet as Grimsley grew, more core classes were needed, and Ms. Rozelman was assigned to teach additional English classes. The elective newspaper class was cut, causing the High LIfe to cease publication in 2013. Ms. Rozelman attempted to bring back the High Life digitally with a creative writing class in 2015, but after that school year the creative writing class was cut as well. For many years, Grimsley was without a newspaper. Newspapers serve an essential role in communities, and have done so for hundreds of years. As Thomas Jefferson said, “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” School newspapers serve an important role by providing information about clubs and extracurricular activities, events happening at the school and building community among the students by sharing ideas and personal stories. After several years without this integral part of Grimsley, a new newspaper, The Whirlie Post, will take up the mantle of the High Life and continue providing the essential services of a school newspaper. Though it is not yet a class, The Post is a club that desires to grow more and more through new members and more influence, to truly embody the spirit and community of Grimsley. Participating in a school newspaper provides an outlet for self-expression, and a way to “be a part of history,” said Ms. Rozelman. She remembers “the camaraderie of the students” as one of her favorite parts about teaching the newspaper class. If you are interested in being a part of building a community at Grimsley High School, contact Ms. Hunt-Ward in room 217, or Mr. Sharpnack in room 200. Ashley Crowell contributed to this article.

Grimsley mourns the loss of Molly Rotunda, a remarkable 2022 graduate whose vibrant spirit touched all she met. From choir to swim team, Molly encouraged inclusion and positivity at Grimsley, letting her light shine. Her community will honor her legacy of boundless joy and kindness to others. Photo from Biographie.filmi.com A Tribute to Molly Rotunda The Grimsley Community mourns the loss of a beloved alumna. By Kennedy Goree Feb. 29, 2024 Mary Elizabeth “Molly” Rotunda, class of 2022, is a Whirlie to remember. She made a huge impact on every community she was a part of, including Grimsley High School. Early Sunday morning on January 21, 2024, Molly passed away in a fatal car accident. She was 20 years old. Those who knew Molly remember her as a fantastic singer, athlete, and friend. At Grimsley she embodied inclusivity and positivity, leaving a legacy that should be honored. Molly was very active at her church, Christ United Methodist (CUMC), creating a space for her to foster meaningful relationships. “From Molly, I learned the value of jumping into opportunities with exuberance and joy,” said Pastor Katey Galyon, the youth pastor at CUMC. “Molly embraced every Sunday School class, Youth Group retreat, mission opportunity, and more with excitement. She let her light shine so brightly that others wanted to join her in whatever activity she was doing.” Through letting her light shine at church, she was also able to let her light shine at Grimsley. Molly loved to sing, she was very active in the choir and musical productions at her church and became a Madrigal at Grimsley. Whether she was singing at church or school, she always helped those around her to see the good in life, and how to share that happiness through singing. “Her positive mindset was an impenetrable defense against life's challenges.” said Marshall “MJ” Johnson, head of the Vocal Music department. “It really helped having her around every day to remind us of the good.” Molly was a lifeguard and swim coach at Green Valley, and in her senior year, Molly joined the Grimsley varsity swim team. Even as a senior, Molly was still not nervous to try something new. “I'm so glad that she chose to swim her senior year so that the team had that time to interact with her,” said Coach Susan Skipper, the swim coach at Grimsley. “She set a very positive example for everyone on the team with her indefatigable happy spirit.” Molly is remembered by her family and friends as being good at loving others. She made sure others felt included and like they mattered. Emily Phillips, a senior at GHS, said she and Molly grew up together at CUMC. “Molly never knew a stranger,” Phillips said. “She always positively impacted others around her and embodied Susan Norman Vickers’ [a former CUMC pastor] saying ‘Make a friend, be a friend.’ Molly encouraged togetherness and never left a soul untouched.” Out of the many communities Molly impacted throughout her life, Grimsley is so lucky to have been one of them. Molly continues to spread her light to others. “Molly was such a big bright light,” Phillips said. “She always had a smile on her face, always in a good mood, and always including everyone around her. I want to be like Molly when I grow up. I want to be able to make people smile, I want to make everyone feel included, I want my good mood to be contagious. … She spread joy. She spread happiness.”

Giving Back to Grimsley Grimsley Goods finds ways to create a better Grimsley. By Carter Watson April 4, 2024 All throughout Grimsley, a spirit of engagement develops as students come together to create a positive impact within Grimsley and throughout the community. Grimsley Goods, a student-led organization, focuses on the food and clothing insecurity in our school’s community. From food drives and clothing donations to teaming up with local organizations, students work together to ensure that every Grimsley student has access to nutritious food and winter coats. This club reflects the dedication and empathy of Grimsley students who understand the importance of assisting and supporting one another. “Grimsley goods is a simple way to help others in a significant way by providing food security and support for those in need,” said Allison Lunsford, a sophomore and an active member of Grimsley Goods. “This club is significant to me because it provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Grimsley.” With the Grimsley Goods Club service learning has become a popular way for students to give back to Grimsley. Service learning not only gives back to the school, but also allows students to enrich their own experiences. Whether it’s volunteering at a soup kitchen, participating in a cleanup service, or even tutoring underclassmen, Grimsley students continue to explore ways to engage in their community and contribute to making a difference in the lives of others. As Grimsley students continue to find and research ways to give back and contribute to our community and our school, the future of Grimsley looks brighter than ever. With each act of service and moment of kindness, students are not only making a difference but also laying a foundation for future students and a caring society. In the halls of Grimsley High School, the spirits of activism, service, and compassion are thriving, inspiring each and every one of us to strive for a better tomorrow.

Earlier this year stairways at Grimsley were redone, with more renovations coming soon. Photo by Kevin Massey Grimsley Bathrooms To Be Renovated This Summer Indoor cosmetic renovations, as well as bathrooms and AC will be addressed during summer renovations. By Ava Lani Schmutzer April 4, 2024 Long overdue and extremely welcome renovations will happen this summer at Grimsley High School. Though the school is No. 30 on the list of Guilford County schools to be fixed up, Grimsley is getting a headstart, with surface-level renovations beginning this year. The county finally will revamp bathrooms in the Main, Old Science, and Vocational buildings! Crumbling walls also will receive attention, and there are plans to fix the air conditioning in classrooms with AC units under the windows. Two years ago, Guilford County Commissioners toured Grimsley with the intent of finding out what needed to be done. The result? Commissioners deemed Grimsley the worst school they had seen, according to a Fox8 News report. “When you pass by this road, and you see this magnificent campus, you think everything is great, but until you go inside, then you will be amazingly disappointed,” said County Chairman Skip Alston. Grimsley was determined a top priority, but there had been no update on renovation progress until now. In 2020 and 2022, Guilford County voters approved bonds totaling $2 billion to build new schools and renovate or replace many schools in the county. Next door, Kiser Middle School is already receiving the benefits of these bonds, being completely rebuilt on both Grimsley and Kiser land. Grimsley’s full renovation is expected to cost around $50 million, but the school is getting a head start as of this summer. These plans have high standards to fulfill for students and teachers alike. Sylvia DiRosa-Taylor, a freshman, has come up with many more ideas for Grimsley renovation in her short time here, including a deep clean, new fans, windows, and doors, as well as menu refurbishing. ‘‘Having a clean and renovated environment, including the bathrooms and classrooms, will help foster a greater attention to learning and a better environment,” she said. “This is nicer for the students, the teachers, and everyone involved.” “I think it’s a great idea. I think it’s long overdue,” said Mrs. Requel Howard, a Spanish teacher. “I just hope that…Guilford County Schools provides the resources to maintain the new stuff over the course of time, because it’s fine to put in new stuff, but if you don’t keep it up and clean it and maintain it…it doesn’t do any good if you’re just going to neglect it.” Other teachers echo this sentiment, including Mrs. Lisa Mortenson, a social studies teacher. “We are going to keep using old buildings, which is wonderful for historic tradition, but we have to put in money to maintain them,” she said. “They’ve added electricity, they’ve added internet stuff - they should be able to maintain plumbing.”

Athlete Spotlight: Drew Mascia This Grimsley student is not only an outstanding athlete, but also a hard worker! By Kate Medina April 4, 2024 Although all of the sports offered at Grimsley are demanding, track and cross country are among the most physically rigorous. This sport is one of the most admirable to do well in, as it requires a great deal of mental fortitude and dedication. Grimsley runner Drew Mascia embodies these traits, as evidenced by her impressive times and hours of hard work. Although only a junior this year, Mascia is a top runner and has carried Grimsley to many victories already this year, including Guilford County and Metro Conference championships for girls cross country. Her many accomplishments include running a 5K in 19:11 and a mile in 5:16. To a non-runner this may not sound very fast, but to anyone who understands how hard it is to achieve those times, this is a feat deserving of respect. Despite being injured at the moment, Mascia has a successful career in track and field ahead of her, with great things to come! Q&A Q: What got you into running, and when did you start? A: I started running in middle school to get better at soccer and I hated it at first, but after a while I started to like it more. Q: What are your plans for the future regarding track and cross country? Do you plan on running in college or professionally? A: I definitely plan on running collegiately as of right now, but I’m still pretty early in my recruiting process, so I have no idea where I will end up! Q: What are your hobbies/interests outside of sports? A: I love to read and I love doing fun artsy things like painting and sewing when I have free time, but sometimes it totally feels like all I do is run and workout. Q: How are you working around being injured this year? A: Getting injured has absolutely been super challenging as it is much harder to stay motivated, and I’ve had to learn how to be patient. It isn’t an experience I would like to repeat, but I also think it has taught me a lot and reminded me the importance of having a life outside of running. Q: What are some ways you balance the demands of being a student athlete? A: Time management is something I struggle with, and it can be really hard to not procrastinate when I’m tired after practice. I usually go to bed super early and wake up early to do homework after my morning workouts so I can be more productive. Q: What do you believe are your major achievements in your sport? A: I honestly think my biggest accomplishment is just always working as hard as I can and staying focused when I just want to go home and take a nap! Q: What are your pre-game and post-game rituals/routines? A: I always have my pre-meet oatmeal in the morning before a race and I like listening to music, but I usually turn it off about 30 minutes before, so I can relax and focus on the race. Q: What are your goals for this season? A: I had a lot of exciting goals for this season before getting injured, including qualifying for states and going sub 5:10 in the mile. That has definitely shifted a little, and now I am primarily focused on being patient and getting a few healthy races in before the season is over! Mascia is committed and willing to put in the work to achieve her goals. Although being injured may have thrown a wrench in her plans, she is sure to come back stronger and better than ever!

Students enjoy music, dancing and snacks in the transformed cafeteria. Photo from Cooper Dunning Student Council Brings Back T.W.I.R.P. Dance Despite challenges, the Student Council hopes the dance will become a spring staple. By Mila Pucilowski April 4, 2024 Doing something for the first time hardly ever goes quite as expected. There are always some problems bound to arise. For many years the T.W.I.R.P. dance, traditionally known as “The Woman Is Requested to Pay,” has been a fun and popular feature at Grimsley. After being discontinued since COVID, this year’s student council decided to bring it back as a spring dance targeted at underclassmen, who can’t attend prom. And their problem was, understandably, spreading the news to the more than 2,000 students at Grimsley. Many students said they didn't go simply because they didn't know until the week of the dance. Because there was very little advertisement until the last minute, many people already had plans or were unprepared. In retrospect, the Council could have done a better job “advertising it to underclassmen and, if we were to do it again, having more preparation on how to sell tickets,” said Sophomore Class President Cooper Dunning. However, despite this, the 250-ticket quota was met. The dance took place in the Grimsley cafeteria with food and music. Many students said it was a great night to get together with friends. “T.W.I.R.P was one of the best nights I've ever had!” said freshman student Zoe Thomas. “It was so much fun hanging out with my friends. I really enjoyed myself.” Though many students enjoyed the dance, they commented that the dance felt empty, with some students leaving after only an hour or so. “Obviously we would like a more well-attended one…there were comments while at the dance that it felt empty, but I think that we can equate that to the fact that the cafeteria is so big,” said Dunning. However, some of the students stayed the whole night until the dance ended, talking and laughing with friends and grabbing snacks on their way out the door. The faculty and Student Council haven't decided whether to continue T.W.I.R.P next year. “I think if we were to continue it in the following years,”said Freshman President Katie Lyles, “it would hopefully have more participation, and become something like a school trend.”

Ms. Jennifer Brockett is a new art teacher at Grimsley. Photo by Kevin Massey Meet Your Teacher: Ms. Brockett Jennifer Brockett, a new art teacher, loves the diversity at Grimsley. By Juliet Fisher December 17, 2024 This school year Grimsley High School welcomes several new teachers, including a new art teacher, Ms. Jennifer Brockett. Ms. Brockett teaches Art I and Art III honors. Even though Ms. Brockett is new to Grimsley, she is certainly not new to teaching. This is her 21st year teaching. In previous years she has taught art at all different levels including IB and AP art. In her free time, you can see her running, traveling, or trying new restaurants with her husband. “My husband and I love to eat. We love to try new places and foods,” Ms. Brockett said. As a kid, Ms. Brockett was really into art and still is to this day. Her main medium is painting, but she likes doing a little bit of everything. Her experience in many art mediums allows her to bring diverse projects to her students. Ms. Brockett used to teach in Tennessee and Texas. She discovered Grimsley when she and her husband moved to North Carolina because of her husband's new job. “I knew I wanted to teach at an IB school,” Ms. Brockett said. “Grimsley was highly recommended, so I knew it would be a great fit.” Ms. Brockett knew she always wanted to work with kids. In some of her earlier jobs, such as a snowboard instructor and a daycare worker, she knew she wanted a teaching aspect in her job. “I love being around kids and their positive energy,” Ms. Brockett said. “I knew ever since my early jobs I wanted to work with them in my future.” Ms. Brockett loves to teach because she likes getting to know all different kinds of kids and discovering their personalities. “Every student is unique,” Ms. Brockett said, “which makes Grimsley such a fun and diverse place to be.”

Sophemores Vivian Peña and Waad Hamad practice crocheting. Photo provided by the Needlework Club. Tight Knit: Grimsley Needlework Club Started by Two Sophomores Club founders want to spread the joy and fun of needlework. By Mila Pucilowski December 17, 2024 With so many clubs at Grimsley, it's hard to pick which ones to pursue. There are clubs dedicated to almost anything from arts to cooking to philosophy. There's something for everyone! With so many differing interests and hobbies, new clubs are popping up every year, like the Grimsley Needlework Club! Sophomores Claire Slate and Faith Chenail founded the club this year. Slate was first taught knitting in third grade by her longtime best friend, freshman Samantha Balkind. She eventually took up crocheting during the pandemic. Chenail also was taught how to crochet by a friend in 7th grade and has been doing it ever since. Being taught by their friends inspired them to want to teach others as well, and so the club was started. After lots of struggle to find a sponsor, Mr. Bretan, the Hebrew and AP Human Geography teacher at Grimsley, agreed to be their advisor. By the end of September, they were finally able to hold their first meeting. “I remember feeling super anxious seeing everyone who showed up for the first meeting”, Slate said. “I was already nervous but there were a lot more people than we expected, but it also made me excited seeing how many people were interested”. For their very first meeting, almost the whole classroom was full. There were students who have been crocheting or knitting for years and ones who were completely clueless about both. The club is inclusive for any experience level. Even for those just starting out, it's a great place to be around friends who can help them learn. Experienced needleworkers can come and pass on their knowledge to others, or just relax with their friends and work on their current projects. The first meeting went over the basics of crocheting with the material they provided for the club members. By the end of the meeting all nervous feelings were gone, and Slate was looking forward to the next meeting. “There was a good energy, which made me excited,” she said. In the meetings since, they have been making progress teaching everyone the basics. In the future, the club leaders want to serve the community. “We eventually hope to work towards making things to donate to hospitals, ideally small gifts and warm things to give to patients,” Chenail said. Where: Room 102, Mr. Bretan When: Every Monday, 4:30-5:30 pm Insta: ghs.needleworkclub Remind code: @grimsleyne or text @grimsleyne to 81010

Grimsley volleyball captain Charlotte Williams copes with anxiety by embracing campus resources. Her message to students: stay present, seek support, remember one grade won't define you. Volleyball captain Charlotte Williams, Photo by Jake Acosta and Kevin Massey "Overwhelmed" Grimsley Senior Charlotte Williams overcomes her anxiety. By Ashley Crowell Feb. 29, 2024 Charlotte Williams may not seem like someone who struggles with anything. She is a captain of the Grimsley volleyball team, a dedicated student and a confident young woman. Yet Charlotte Williams wrestles with anxiety. She was diagnosed with anxiety at the age of six and has been learning to cope with it for most of her life. “It started with things that I obviously wasn’t in control of that freaked me out when I was really young,” Williams said. “But as I got into middle school and high school, it turned into more common things…like an academic pressure, which a lot of high schoolers feel.” Then during her sophomore year, the pressure and expectation had come to the point where Williams felt like she needed help. “I’ve always been a person where if my life feels out of control I focus on one thing that I am 'in control of,’ so for me that was school,” Williams said. “So I always put so much effort into school…and you just feel overwhelmed.” Williams was in therapy as a child, but had not been for several years preceding sophomore year. Her parents suggested that they take a different approach and see the sports psychologist at Grimsley. Sports psychology focuses on the wellbeing of athletes and addresses the mental aspect of a sport. For Williams, using sports psychology helped her channel her anxiety through a much-loved activity–volleyball–to work through her stress. “I learned a lot of breathing things…and just taking a moment,” Williams said. “We joke about if you’re going up to serve in a big game, just tie your shoe, take a moment.” She also learned that music and having fun are important ways of releasing stress, rather than becoming tense or worked up about a game. “I’m super competitive, but at the same time I like to have fun,” Williams said. “I’d rather have fun and give my all, versus being so in my head that I can’t give my all.” While being a leader on the court, Williams has also been a team captain since her junior year and has become an example for others who are facing similar struggles. “Girls who would come to me and express similar situations…and it was like, ‘Oh, I’ve been in the same position,” Williams said. “High schoolers often struggle with anxiety and depression. High schoolers put a lot of pressure on themselves, whether people like to admit it or not.” High school is full of stressful social situations and academic pressure, and students can often lose sight of what’s truly important. The weight of the future, and the decisions students are making now feel like an enormous responsibility. Yet as Williams said, “It’s high school, and one B is not going to end your life. It’s going to be ok, that’s important to remember.” If Williams could speak directly to all Grimsley students on the office loudspeaker, she would tell them, “If you need help, seek out for it. It’s there. I’ve gone to the counselors here and they’re always good.” Her best advice to her fellow students is “be in the moment, and don’t worry so much about the future that you can’t control.” Continue reading Anxiety Is Real: I struggle with anxiety in high school. Do you?

Ramadan: My Perspective as a Grimsley Student Ramadan is a time for increased worship, charity, and prayer. Photo by Kevin Massey What does this holy month mean to Muslims and what is the purpose of fasting? By Lana Illikkal April 4, 2024 You might have Muslim friends who are fasting during this month called Ramadan, and you might ask the question: what is the actual reason for not eating from sunrise to sunset? I want to share with you my personal experience as a Muslim fasting during Ramadan and how significant it really is. First off, I see a lot of people answer the question above with the answer: Muslims fast to show compassion for the poor and less fortunate. And while gratitude is certainly something we can attain through fasting, that is not the central goal. Ramadan is the special month in which the Quran was revealed. It’s a time for increased worship, charity, and prayer. Muslims also observe fasting during Ramadan. According to the Quran, our holy scripture, fasting is prescribed to us so that we may acquire god consciousness. While fasting, I am constantly aware that I cannot eat and this in turn makes me more aware of my actions because consuming food is not the only way we can break our fast. Our fast can be invalid if we do things such as lying, backbiting, or being disrespectful to others. Fasting also grows our spiritual discipline by stopping ourselves before commiting a sin or doing something that may displease God. Ramadan shows Muslims that every extra step to better our faith, we can do it outside of Ramadan too. Magical powers aren’t sent upon us at the beginning of the month that suddenly give us the ability to go to the Masjid, our place of worship, every night, or finish the entire Quran, or to stay steadfast in our prayers. We prove to ourselves that we are capable. My favorite part of Ramadan, though, are the bonds I build and the oneness I feel among the other Muslims in my community. At my local Masjid there’s an Iftar, a meal that breaks the fast, every Friday. There are also group discussions and trivia nights that the Girls Youth Group hosts. All of this leads to show that Ramadan is a month for reflection. It’s a month for me to look back on myself, correct myself, and come out as a different better person who has strengthened her faith.