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.

Behind Grimsley's high achievement lurks a silent crisis - student anxiety. Counselors urge struggling teens to open up about panic attacks and pressure to succeed. With coping strategies and compassionate support, we can address these overlooked mental health issues. Anxiety Is Real I struggle with anxiety in high school. Do you? By Ashley Crowell Feb. 29, 2024 “Toughen up buttercup!” “Boys don’t cry!” Has anyone ever said something like this to you when you were feeling anxious? Often anxiety gets dismissed as unimportant or weak, when actually, anxiety is a real issue for many people. Most people feel slight anxiety every now and then, which is normal. Some people feel anxiety so acutely that they develop something called “panic attacks,” which are sudden and overwhelming feelings of anxiety. Anxiety can be debilitating and prevent people from participating in everyday activities to avoid triggering these feelings. When this happens, it’s time to ask for help. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concerns in the United States. More than 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1% ) have an anxiety disorder, according to The National Alliance on Mental Illness. To many, these people are just statistics, far off numbers that don’t really affect their lives. But anxiety can affect all of us when we least expect it. It happened to me. I had just started a new year in high school, and everything seemed to be too much, but I was handling it. Then suddenly one morning, two things happened in quick succession that crumbled my careful facade of composure. I was so shaken, I couldn’t keep going. I sat in my car and breathed deeply for a few minutes, praying for peace. After calling to mind several of my favorite Bible verses, I was able to work through what I was feeling and return to the regular routine. Yet I was affected for the rest of the day. This is just a very small example of how debilitating anxiety can be. Anxiety can come in many forms, with a variety of symptoms ranging from emotional to physical. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, symptoms can include: Feelings of apprehension or dread. Feeling tense or jumpy. Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath. Sweating, tremors and twitches. Headaches, fatigue and insomnia. Susan B. Marsh, a guidance counselor at Grimsley, notes that for many teens, anxiety can be caused by academic pressure to be successful, which can be from parents, or even from themselves. Yet not all anxiety has an obvious cause. “Sometimes people are anxious and they don’t know why they’re anxious,” Ms. Marsh said. How do teens cope with all of the anxiety in their daily lives? Along with spiritual practices like prayer, here are some additional coping strategies from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Take a break. Eat balanced meals. Exercise regularly. Breathe. Accept that you are not perfect. Set small, achievable goals instead of broad expectations. Yet sometimes these strategies are not enough. Sometimes you may reach a point where you need more—where anxiety continues to affect how you live your life on a daily basis. If you are struggling with severe anxiety, there are people at Grimsley, like the guidance counselors, who will walk beside you through this struggle, and resources that are available to help. Please remember this: you are not alone. Continue reading "Overwhelmed": Grimsley Senior Charlotte Williams overcomes her anxiety.

Grimsley High's Mock Trial Club gives aspiring attorneys a head start, practicing courtroom arguments under the guidance of legal mentors. Students face off in a fictional murder case, honing critical thinking and public speaking skills. This empowering club builds confidence and camaraderie for its future lawyers. Pictured: (Front Row Left) Dhruti Gite, Lia Mun, Maddie Testa, Renas Wigyealla, Jun Xi Tan (Top Row Left) Lucia Lomax, Evan Harbin, Nikhil Nataraju, Anish Nerella Photo provided by the Mock Trial Club. Objection Your Honor! Grimsley’s Mock Trial Club prepares students for the future. By Ava Lani Schmutzer Feb. 29, 2024 Grimsley students have big plans for the future, and many will tell you becoming a lawyer is their aspiration. However, some take it a step further and begin their career with a head start by literally practicing law. Students in the Mock Trial Club are given a fictional case, and they must form a prosecution and defense team to argue the case. The club is a challenging and engaging way for members to tap into their argumentative side. Students are handed an enormous packet of information to use for constructing a believable argument. Students are assigned to be on either prosecution or defense, usually in a make-believe case. Sponsored by social studies teacher Ms. Emily Quinn, Grimsley’s Mock Trial Club might be young, but it’s on fire. So far, multiple students have won awards, including sophomore Lia Mun for Best Witness from both the judge and the competition. Freshman Maddie Testa and Sophomore Nikhil Nataraju also received awards from other competing teams. Mock Trial is a seasonal sport, and each school year cases alternate between civil and criminal. This year, Grimsley’s team worked on a first-degree murder case, with two subteams advocating for prosecution and defense. Often, mock trial crosses over into the real world of law as students are mentored by lawyers, and legal professionals judge the event. “It was really cool getting to learn about how court proceedings work,” said Testa, who played a defendant and a prosecution witness. “And getting to practice our knowledge in an actual courtroom.” Members specialize in real aspects of a murder trial, with some focusing on cross-examination and others delivering the opening and closing arguments. Someone specializing in rebuttal needs to be quick on their feet, creating arguments in just a few short minutes! Mock Trial isn’t all about writing legal arguments and analyzing documents. Some students play witnesses and must hone their acting skills. Witnesses are called to testify and give their best performance as the character involved in the case. “In the beginning it seems like a lot of work, and I was stressed about the amount of improv and thinking on my feet that I had to do,” Testa said, “But once I got to know the case, it was basically like being in a play.” The students also have an excellent opportunity to improve their leadership skills. As president of Grimsley’s team, Dhruti Gite is responsible for leading the team toward victory, creating a cohesive force for defense or indictment. “I really like how organized and straightforward the club organization was,” Testa said. “Ms. Quinn, Dhruti, and Lia did a really good job!” For many students, Mock Trial is a brilliant way to spice up their college entries, as well as gain real-world experience with working on a team in law. The team also has big plans for the future with a field trip to Elon Law School. Being on the team feels “empowering,” said Nataraju, who played a prosecuting attorney. “You can ask your team members for help,” he said. “You’re not by yourself. Being there, overall, boosts your confidence, [improves] your speaking abilities, and benefits you in the field of law.” Grimsley’s Mock Trial team is, without objection, a true asset to our students.

Students of the Month The Whirlie Post would like to recognize certain students for their excellent character and the positive effect they have on their peers and their community. Read about these awesome individuals below! February Lydia Alexa Maksimov-9th Grade “Lydia is extremely remarkable. She finishes her projects early. She at times instructs in class. She is just helpful and positive.”-Ms.Luz Guevara Bigelow Katherine Medina-10th Grade “Kate is a kind student that makes anyone feel welcomed in the classroom. Kate is incredibly determined and hard working earning A's in all of her classes. She also is involved in many extracurriculars such as Battle of the Books and swimming.”-Ms. Madison Hall January Aiden Medlin-9th Grade “Aiden works so hard and is always willing and ready to help his classmates. He is kind to his classmates and I love seeing it!”-Ms. Sumia Mustafa Jasmine Clark-10th Grade “Jasmine is a strong leader within the classroom community. She works diligently at all tasks and puts her utmost into everything that she does. Jasmine is someone that not only displays a strong work ethic, but also maintains a high ethical standard.”-Ms. Joy Hunt-Ward Amos Ohene-12 Grade “This student exemplifies everything that is amazing about our school. Amos is a student leader, scholar and volunteer. Amos makes our school better and it is an honor being his Principal.”-Mr. Ged O'Donnell Zion Cunningham-11th Grade “Zion is a great young lady. She is respectful, responsible, and works well with peers. Zion has a strong work ethic and strives to meet the goals she has set for herself. She is not afraid to voice her opinion, even if it does not align with the majority. I enjoy having Zion in my class and look forward to witnessing her journey.”- Ms. Dannaya Sellars December RJ Johnson-10th “for displaying kindness to his peers. I saw him walking with one of the OCS students and this interaction truly warmed my heart!”-Ms. Sumia Mustafa Kendal Threewitt- 9th “Kendal is a focused and enthusiastic learner, and I really enjoy them in class, and I think they’re going to go far!”-Ms. Emily Burch Taiquan Yancy-11th “Taiquan has made major strides in his math class. He has improved his grade from 1st quarter to 2nd quarter and consistently works hard in class by completing his homework assignments. He is a very pleasant student and is always respectful and willing to put in the extra work. I am very proud of him!” -Ms. Way November Kroe Bryant-9th grade “Kroe is an exemplary student! He always strives to his best ability and goes above and beyond in his academics. Kroe also helps his peers whenever he can and is always a joy to have in class.”- Ms. Williams Regan Haverstock-10th grade “Regan should be Student of the Month for contributing to the success of the Grimsley Girls Volleyball team this year as a superb setter. She is also an excellent student!” -Ms. Desiree Acevedo Isabella Sherrick- 12th grade “This student has overcome MANY difficulties and hardships and is rocking French 3 this year. She has kept an amazingly positive attitude and is loving and respectful!” -Ms. Jennifer Johnston Kerns (Madame JJK) Brock Weston Brock Weston is a Student of the Month for November. The 11th grader is a football player and dedicatedly works out at the gym every day. His favorite class this year is Ap Earth and Environmental Science. Brock enjoys being at Grimsley saying that he really enjoys “the people, and that it's a good environment to be in.” When asked what he would like to say to his fellow students, Brock said, “Try your best.” “Brock is very engaged in the classroom, maintaining excellent scores throughout the football season. He is on the football team and uses his time wisely. He participates in class and works with his learning partner on a daily basis.” - Scott SanGeorge

At Grimsley High, music, fashion, and gear trends build community and healthy habits. From Swifties bonding over the Eras Tour to stylish backpacks organizing assignments and colorful water bottles spreading hydration, fads give students expressive ways to connect. Whirlie Trends Make Friends and Fun Fads in music and school essentials fuel self-expression, giving students a place to belong. By Kennedy Goree Jan. 29, 2024 At Grimsley, trends helped students make new connections with each other and build healthy habits this school year. The Eras Tour and movie hit the world, backpacks were still an essential fashion accessory for back-to-school, and Stanley Cups made hydration trendy. Taylor Swift was as popular as ever at Grimsley with the US Eras Tour ending and the release of the Eras Tour Movie last fall. The diversity in the style of music Swift creates assures there is something for everyone, building bonds among her fans. The following Taylor has gathered creates a safe space for Swifties to express themselves and make new friends over a common interest. “My love of Taylor Swift has helped me connect and make memories with my friends,” said Lily Koesters, a Grimsley freshman and avid Taylor Swift fan. “From going to the Eras Tour movie, listening to her music, and talking with someone new about her music, Taylor Swift has not only helped me strengthen my friendships but also make new ones!” One thing every Grimsley student needs is a sturdy bag, and some of the most popular options were Jansport and North Face backpacks. The many color options, styles, and pockets make a perfect backpack for back-to-school. Not only do these bags allow students to express their individuality, but they also help build healthy organization habits. Since there’s lots of stuff to carry from class to class, these bags are very comfortable to wear during class change. “My backpack has not only helped me stay organized,” Emerson Griener, a freshman at Grimsley, said, “but the sleek design makes it fashionable and comfortable to wear around school.” Staying hydrated is vital to staying healthy and engaged during the school day. A school favorite, Stanley water bottles, achieve that. The unlimited variety of colors and styles makes it easy to find the perfect cup for individual tastes and match to other school supplies. Stanley makes it convenient and fun to hydrate throughout the day, a habit that is vital to student success. Juliet Fisher, a 9th grader said, “My Stanley has helped me build my habit of staying hydrated, especially at school, and the colors are so cute.” From music to backpacks and water bottles, trends add a sense of fun to student life, creating bonds and fueling success at Grimsley.

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.”