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- The High Life | The Whirlie Post
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.
- Anxiety is Real | The Whirlie Post
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.
- Mock Trial | The Whirlie Post
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.
- Ms. Potts and Ms. Williams | The Whirlie Post
Grimsley Math Teacher Ms. Sarah Potts, Photo by Jake Acosta and Kevin Massey Ms. Alicia Willliams, a social studies teacher at Grimsley Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Potts and Ms. Williams Meet two first-year teachers at Grimsley! By Mila Pucilowski Feb 29, 2024 The first day of school brings a whole new environment with new people and new expectations. This can generate feelings of excitement and nervousness, or a combination of both. Those feelings aren’t restricted to students. Ms. Sarah Potts and Ms. Alicia Williams are two first-year teachers at Grimsley high school. “It felt like being the new kid at a new school, but after the first week everything started to fall into place,” said Sarah Potts, a first-year math teacher at Grimsley. For Ms. Potts, it's not only her first year teaching at Grimsley, but her first year teaching at all. She has a degree in accounting and project managing. Before she began teaching she led a very eventful life, serving twelve years in the military as well as working at Honda Jet, Volvo and Mack Trucks. Ms. Potts has always loved math, so after her work in the military, she decided teaching math would be perfect. The best part for her is getting the students involved in math. “For her first year, she's doing an amazing job connecting with her students,” said Freshman Kennedy Goree. Ms. Williams also didn't plan to go into teaching. She originally went to school at UNCG for a degree in history. Then, she was offered a scholarship to join the Teacher Education Fellows, which required her to add education to her history major. “I always felt taken care of by my teachers,” Ms. Williams said.”So I wanted to be there for my students like my teachers were there for me.” She decided to take the scholarship and join the program. Throughout the program she was able to study abroad in Botswana, Africa. After finishing the program, she graduated UNCG with a History and Education degree. Ms. Williams went on to teach black history at Page High School for four years. But on her first day at Grimsley, she also experienced first day nerves. That morning, Ms. Williams decided she would stop at the welcome seminar for the freshman. While she was there, Principal O'Donnell talked about what to expect being new to the school, assuring them there was no need to worry. Soon, her nerves started to fade away. “Ms. Williams has always been there to help me achieve my academic goals,” said freshman Redas Wigyealla. Grimsley is fortunate to have first-year teachers like Ms. Potts and Ms. Williams who relate so well to their students, transforming first-day nerves into academic excellence.
- Whirlie Trends | The Whirlie Post
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.
- The Whirlie Cafe | The Whirlie Post
Madame Jennifer Johnston Kerns orders coffee online from The Whirlie Cafe. Photo by Jake Acosta and Kevin Massey The Whirlie Cafe: What It Is and Why It Matters Exceptional students serve up coffee and gain valuable experience. By Lincoln Casey Feb. 29, 2024 A new addition to the historic halls of Grimsley is serving up hot coffee while also providing valuable skills to its students. The Whirlie Cafe, est. 2023, is run by the Exceptional Children at Grimsley. Open 9:30 to 11 a.m, they currently only serve faculty members and staff, but hope to open for students in the future. “A lot of what we teach are job skills because we hope that after graduation they will get competitive employment,” said Ms. Jessica Fancourt, the EC teacher who created the cafe. “So the cafe gives them real life experience while they are at school.” The students love serving coffee at The Whirlie Cafe, and now with their new espresso machine they can make lattes. The most popular drink at The Whirlie Cafe is hot chocolate. “The drinks are amazing,” said Madame Jennifer Johnston Kerns, a French teacher at Grimsley, and oat milk latte fan. “I am kind of boring. I get the same drink every time, but every time it's been outstanding!” In addition to outstanding drinks, the cafe also serves cookies on occasion. Ms. Fancourt previously owned a cookie business and often bakes delicious cookies to serve at the cafe. All the profits from the cafe go to the EC adaptive program. Ms. Fancourt’s interest in teaching exceptional students began when she was in high school. “I have always had a soft spot for people with disabilities in high school,” she said. “The high school that I attended did a program. It was kind of like a teacher cadet program. We would have students come in and volunteer during the day in a special education classroom and so I just built relationships and then I just thought it would be a great field to go into.” The cafe provides a little extra energy to Grimsley’s amazing faculty and staff while also connecting the community with every cup of coffee.
- Students of the Month | The Whirlie Post
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
- Molly Rotunda | The Whirlie Post
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.”
- Three Grimsley Poets Voted Finalists | The Whirlie Post
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.
- Athlete Spotlight | The Whirlie Post
Ellie (left) with twin sister Gracie Ellie preparing to dive during a relay Athlete Spotlight Swimmer Ellie Hunt speeds her way through the water to a successful season. By Katherine Medina Jan. 29, 2024 Thanks to our amazing athletes, sports are one activity everyone can enjoy here at Grimsley, whether through participating or watching games. It takes a lot of dedication to balance a sport on top of schoolwork, so the Whirlie Post regularly will recognize a special athlete for their commitment and accomplishments. Swimmer Ellie Hunt is an obvious choice, having absolutely killed it so far this season following the announcement of her commitment to attend the College of William and Mary and compete on their Division 1 swim team. Ellie is a senior here at Grimsley, and with one year left, we are excited to see all the great things she will achieve! Q&A: Q: What got you into swimming? How long have you been swimming? A: My parents signed me up for swimming when I was 4 and I just never stopped. Q: What are your plans for the future regarding swimming? Do you plan on swimming in college or professionally? A: I am committed to swim D1 at William and Mary in the fall next year and I can’t wait!! Q: What are your hobbies/interests outside of swimming? A: I love to read and I recently learned how to crochet. I also play Fortnite! Q: How has your season gone so far this year? A: My season has been pretty great and I’m super excited to see what I can accomplish by March. Q: What are some ways you balance the demands of being a student athlete? A: I try to stay hydrated and eat somewhat healthy so I am energized everyday. I also go to sleep fairly early because I have to wake up for 5 a.m. practice everyday. Q: What do you believe are your major achievements in your sport? A: Continuing to get better each year and never giving up hope even when I’m struggling to compete at my best. Q: What are your pre-game and post-game rituals/routines? A: I tend to eat muffins before swim meets and I’m pretty exhausted after, so I usually get food with my family and go straight to bed! Ellie has had a great swim season, leading the Grimsley Women to an undefeated record so far. She also has qualified in two individual events, the 100 yard freestyle event with a time of 54:47, and the 50 freestyle event with a time of 24:76, for the 4A Central Regional High School Swim Meet in early February at the Greensboro Aquatic Center. She has an amazing future ahead of her, and we wish her the best of luck finishing off her last season with us at Grimsley.
- Ms. O | The Whirlie Post
Meet Your Teacher: Ms. Ostrander Jessie Ostrander knows that math isn’t for everyone, and she’s ok with that. By Ashley Crowell December 17, 2024 Jessie Ostrander has a teaching philosophy that may seem counterintuitive for a math teacher. “Math is not as important as I thought it was,” the first-year Grimsley teacher said. “I’ve learned a lot more about how there are so many different kinds of students in my classroom.” Ms. Ostrander has realized that some students will never love math or use it all the time, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be successful in life. “There are so many different kinds of success and ways to be successful, and that is just one tool in one kind of success,” she said. Ms. Ostrander is new to Grimsley; in fact, she is new to teaching. This is her first year ever teaching. She had previously worked in IT after majoring in computer science at college. “I just got tired of working a 9 to 5 job where I sat at a computer, and I didn’t talk to people, and I worked from home most of the time,” she said. Ms. Ostrander had wanted to be a teacher ever since she was 12 years old. Ms. Ostrander remembers being in middle school and thinking, “If I was a math teacher, I would do things this way…I’ve just always had that thought in my head, that I want to be a math teacher and I want to teach things this way.” While she may have had a clear idea of how she wanted to teach when she was 12 years old, Ms. Ostrander still struggled this fall finding her teaching style. “I want to get to the end of the year and have a really good idea how to set up my next school year,” she said. “Every day is a learning opportunity, and each time I teach something, it is the first time I’m teaching this. I’m kind of trying out a bunch of different things.” Though there have been many challenges in the transition, Ms. Ostrander has found unexpected joys along the way. She enjoys the conversations she has with students, learning about their interests and the ways they learn. “Finding something that I could talk to the student about that has nothing to do with math, it’s just so great to get to know people as people,” she said. “That makes it easier then to be a teacher when you have that kind of relationship built on human interaction.” “I’ve always known at least in theory that what works for one person doesn’t work for everybody, but knowing that and knowing it because you’ve experienced it and seen it are very different.” These student interactions have really changed Ms. Ostrander’s perspective on teaching. She is implementing this philosophy not just in her teaching style, but even in her classroom itself. By adding lamps, posters and other decorative touches, Ms. Ostrander hopes to create a better learning environment for her students. “I don’t want people to come in here and immediately have their mindset affected before they even have to do math,” she said. “I honestly think that having just a little bit of a different lighting and cozy touches here and there can completely reset your mind and the way you feel about a math class the moment you step into the door.” Ms. Ostrander has noticed that since she made the changes to her room, her students have been more present and engaged in class. Whether it is how to structure her lesson plan or how to decorate her room, Ms. Ostrander always keeps her students at the forefront of her mind. “They’re people who have so much going on outside of their classes,” she said. “And there’s something I can do as their teacher to help support them through that, no matter what kind of thing they’re going through.”
- About Us | The Whirlie Post
A Vision For the Whirlie Post Creating a community in conversation with itself at Grimsley High School. By Ashley Crowell As you drive to school one morning, the first nine houses you pass look quiet and peaceful. Then, you come to the tenth house. It’s on fire, and there are police cars and fire trucks parked outside. Which house would you be curious about, one of the normal, peaceful homes, or the house that is on fire? For many people, that’s all news is—a place to learn about the exceptions to normal life, the house that’s on fire. And while that is an essential function of a newspaper, our dream is for The Whirlie Post to be so much more than news. The Whirlie Post can be a place to build community with fellow students, to learn about the different types of people who make up the rich, diverse tapestry of Grimsley High School. The Post can be a place where your opinions are voiced, creating a spark of change in our community. The student paper is also a place where we can celebrate our strengths as a community and work together to overcome our weaknesses. For nearly 100 years, Grimsley High School’s previous student newspaper, the High Life , fulfilled this noble purpose by chronicling the highs and lows of our historic school. From triumphant sports victories to issues important for students, the High Life was the voice of Grimsley Students. However in 2013, the High Life ceased to exist, present only in dusty editions stuffed away in the corner of the media center. A hundred years of history, forgotten, but not lost. The High Life was published from 1920-2013, and included important school events, sports, local news stories, and important issues for students. The paper featured articles about dress code for girls in the 1950s, Vietnam War protests in the 1960s and drug use in the 1970s. Looking back through those musty pages, one sees snapshots of history, watches wars come and go, clothes change from buttoned-up blouses to bell-bottoms to Bermuda shorts, and witnesses as Grimsley itself grows and changes throughout the years. Yet one thing remained constant; the newspaper continued to embody the spirit and voice of the students of Grimsley. The Whirlie Post aspires to become the spirit and voice of the next generation of Grimsley students, and to document the highs and lows of a high school community in conversation with itself. We are grateful for the legacy of the High Life and look forward to building on it to create a better community at Grimsley—and bring you news, too! Meet the Current Staff Ashley Crowell, class of '26, Editor, Website Manager and Staff Writer Jake Acosta, class of '26, Photographer and Staff Writer Georgette Beaumont, class of '27, Staff Writer Vishruth Bhargava, class of '26, Staff Writer Lincoln Casey, class of '26, Staff Writer and Website Manager Aissatou Coly, class of '26, Staff Writer Andrew Crowell, class of '26, Copy Editor Juliet Fisher, class of '27, Staff Writer Kennedy Goree, class of '27, Staff Writer Collin Hicks, class of '26, Staff Writer Kevin Massey, class of '26, Photographer Heather Monge-Ceciliano, class of '26, Staff Writer Sarah "Sally" Nagappan, class of '27, Staff Writer Chance Phillips, class of '26, Social Media Manager and Website Manager Mila Pucilowski, class of '27, Staff Writer Ava Lani Schmutzer, class of '26, Staff Writer Savannah Singleton, class of '26, Social Media Manager Heidi White, class of '26, Staff Writer and Illustrator Evan Post, Teacher Advisor Dimon Kendrick-Holmes, Exec. Editor News & Record, Community Advisor Linn Crowell, Parent Advisor For a complete list of past staff, click here