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After a century of educating Greensboro students, aging Swann Middle School closes its doors in 2024. Despite plans to reopen as a performing arts magnet in 2027, Swann's tight-knit community grapples with the redistricting of its devoted students and teachers. Swann Middle to Be Shut Down, Renovated Major changes to Swann Middle School bring mixed reactions from students and teachers. By Mila Pucilowski Jan. 29, 2024 Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina with 124 schools, many over 60 years old. Because of this many schools are in desperate need of repair, an issue the Guilford County School Board has been trying to resolve. With a new Kiser Middle building being rebuilt right next door and many more schools being closed entirely, it poses the question, what happens when a school is completely shut down? Well, this is happening right now at Swann Middle School. Swann Middle is a historic school that just celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022, making it the district's oldest school building. Therefore it had many problems such as mold, leaks, AC problems, and more. On November 7th, it was revealed that the school would be shut down after the 2023-2024 school year, abrupt news that shocked teachers and students. Mark Maltby, who has been teaching at Swann for 13 years, was with students when the news was first announced. He and the other teachers found out at the same time as the students. Instead of worrying for his job, and what problems it would cause for him, Maltby said, "The hardest part was watching the kids cry." After the initial shock, all agreed that it was best for the school, and many were excited for a new experience. Current seventh grade student Maye Kennerly said, "I'm kind of excited to move schools, to start a fresh year with new friends, new teachers, and a whole new environment.” As for teachers, most core teachers have already been redistricted to new schools. However some arts teachers, although guaranteed a job next year, still have not been told where they will be going. Swann has acted as a middle school for Spanish Immersion and STEM students since about the year 2000. But it is still a district school as well. In total there are about 542 students currently at Swann middle. Students will be redistricted to either Kiser or Mendenhall Middle Schools depending on whether they are in the Page or Grimsley district, according to the Greensboro News & Record. The Spanish immersion students are being redistricted to Kiser Middle, and STEM students to Hairston Middle. Swann's renovation is set to be done by the fall of 2027. The initial idea was for it to become a 6-12 magnet school. However, GCS Superintendent Dr. Whitney Oakley proposed that it should become the new performing arts school, replacing Weaver Academy as Greensboro's performing arts school. The school board approved Dr. Oakley's proposal, and Swann will reopen in 2027 as a performing arts school.

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

Staff Directory 2024-25 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 2023-24 Ashley Crowell, class of '26, Editor Jake Acosta, class of '26, Photographer and Staff Writer Lincoln Casey, class of '26, Staff Writer and Website Manager Andrew Crowell, class of '26, Copy Editor Kennedy Goree, class of '27, Staff Writer Lana Illikkal, class of '27, Staff Writer Kevin Massey, class of '26, Photographer Katherine Medina, class of '26, Staff Writer Anish Nerella, class of '26, Staff Writer and Website Manager Ashley Pritchett, class of '26, Staff Writer Mila Pucilowski, class of '27, Staff Writer Ava Lani Schmutzer, class of '26, Staff Writer Savannah Singleton, class of '26, Social Media Manager Carter Watson, class of '26, Staff Writer Heidi White, class of '26, Staff Writer and Illustrator Joy Hunt-Ward, Advisor Emily Quinn, Advisor Adam Sharpnack, Advisor Dimon Kendrick-Holmes, Exec. Editor News & Record, Community Advisor Linn Crowell, Parent Advisor

Experience the delightful fusion of education and baking in Mr. Schoultz's seminar class at Grimsley High School. Join students in their weekly baking showdowns and unlock a unique and engaging learning experience. Discover homemade treats, creativity, and unconventional education at its finest. Seminar Cooks Up a Storm GHS seminar class finds its sweet spot with a weekly baking competition. By Anish Nerella Jan. 29, 2024 In an innovative twist to classroom dynamics, the students of Mr. John Schoultz’s seminar class at Grimsley High School have found a unique way to start their week. Every Monday, they engage in a friendly yet competitive baking showdown, sharing homemade delicacies with their peers. The tradition began serendipitously when Logan Witriol, one of the students, discussed his family’s challah recipe during class. Mr. Schoultz, known for his expertise in chemistry rather than culinary arts, expressed a desire to taste this homemade bread. Rising to the occasion, Logan brought his freshly baked challah the following Monday, setting the stage for what would soon become a weekly highlight. Embracing the spirit of homemade craftsmanship, Mr. Schoultz laid down the competition’s sole rule: everything must be from scratch—store-bought cake mixes and frostings are a clear no-go. The students only need to bring a dish to partake in the feast, an arrangement that has seen participation soar. Themes keep the competition vibrant, with recent events like the "Big Cookie" week where creativity in cookie-making was the delicious challenge at hand. Mr. Schoultz’s vision extends beyond the culinary realm; he believes that seminar classes should be grouped by common interests rather than traditional class or grade divisions. He advocates for a school environment where special interest teams, like sports teams, could share and develop their passions through these specialized seminars. “Such interactive class formats have the power to make seminar classes much more than just another block in a student's timetable,” Mr. Schoultz said. “They become a truly engaging and educational experience.” This baking competition is more than just a fun activity—it's a testament to Mr. Schoultz’s pedagogical approach that values student engagement and practical skill development. With flour-dusted aprons and ovens preheated, the students of GHS are proving that the recipe for educational success can be as diverse and unique as their culinary creations. Mr. Schoultz’s seminar class is a sweet example of how breaking the conventional mold can yield delightful results, both in learning and in baking.

Mr. Post Named Teacher of the Year The beloved IB English and Philosophy teacher is held in high regard by both teachers and students. By Ashley Crowell March 14, 2025 You can learn a lot about teachers by their classrooms, and Mr. Evan Post’s room has a lot to say. Full of posters of philosophers, art from students and even a stuffed platypus, his room reflects the varied interests of its occupant. For International Baccalaureate students in English and Philosophy classes, the thoughtful debates, complex books and philosophical concepts Mr. Post teaches make his room come alive. Mr. Post is a loved and respected figure on the Grimsley campus and has earned the admiration of not only his students, but also his colleagues. “He’s literally like a professor,” said Ms. Sarah Lord, an Advanced Placement US History teacher at Grimsley. “He’s extremely knowledgeable, patient, he’s very understanding, and he provides support to all of us as teachers and students. He’s what you strive to be.” His colleagues showed their respect for him by naming him the Teacher of the Year for Grimsley. “It’s nice to get the feeling that my colleagues think a lot of what I’m doing or think I’m doing a good job, particularly given that I think we’ve got so many good teachers here,” Mr. Post said. “Their esteem means a lot to me for that reason.” Mr. Post chuckles as he muses that perhaps when his students return for a 50th high school reunion, they will hobble over to a plaque in the main building, see his name and reminisce. “I do like the idea that, as I’m looking ahead towards retiring sometime in the not too distant future, I’m gonna become one of the ghosts of Grimsley,” he said. But for those who know him, he will be remembered for more than just a few awards. Mr. Ben Barnard coordinates the IB and AP programs at Grimsley and is a friend of Mr. Post. They have taught together for nearly 20 years now. “He works harder than any other teacher I know,” he said. “He’s really good at giving feedback to his students. He really takes their learning to write as his goal. He’s really developed the craft,” said Mr. Barnard, who teaches IB Theory of Knowledge. “I think he really cares about his students, he cares about his colleagues, and he cares very much about what he does.” Noah Levine, a senior in the IB Program at Grimsley, has benefited from Mr. Post’s teaching for two years in English and Philosophy. “Mr. Post is an inspirational teacher and mentor who is generous with his knowledge and his time,” Levine said. “I consider myself fortunate to have had Mr. Post.” Mr. Post engages with his students in his philosophy class, encourages them to ask questions and raise objections, and takes their thoughts seriously. Nikhil Nataraju, a junior in the IB Program who is also in IB English and Philosophy, often participates in the class discussions. “I would describe him as a teacher who strives to make a positive impact on a child’s education,” Nataraju said. Mr. Post has been a teacher for 31 years, and he has been teaching at Grimsley close to 20 years. And while he said recognition is nice, it’s not why he does what he does. “I like learning,” Mr. Post said. “I like to think my students learn, but the thing that motivates me is my own learning. By being in the classroom I’m putting myself in a position of having to keep learning, because I teach very bright students who ask interesting questions, and I’m always trying to be better at helping them understand.” Mr. Post has taught several different classes at Grimsley, including creative writing, and different levels of English including AP. But for the past few years he has been teaching IB English SL and IB Philosophy. In addition, he supports student-led clubs by acting as an advisor for The Whirlie Post and the Philosophy Club. “I love the things that I teach,” Mr. Post said. “I love the books that I teach in my English classes, the ideas that I teach in my philosophy class, the arguments that I teach them and philosophers. These things are nourishing to me. I really enjoy that.”

From Purple Whirlwinds to Navy Whirlies: The History of GHS Even before being named Grimsley, GHS has long been one of the premier high schools in North Carolina. By Georgette Beaumont December 17, 2024 In 1899, Grimsley–then called Greensboro High School–opened its doors for the first time as a separate entity from the elementary school. Today, it stands as one of the oldest high schools in the state, carrying over a century of history and pride. Greensboro High School was originally housed in the former St. Agnes Church, which was located near the Greensboro Public Library on Church Street. The inaugural school year saw only a handful of students being instructed by four teachers in seven courses. However, news spread quickly about GHS and the church soon became overcrowded. In the fall of 1911, the school moved to a new building at the site of Weaver Academy and underwent a name change–this time to Greensboro Central High School. While at the Spring Street campus, GHS flourished. Students participated in a multitude of extracurricular activities–including a strong band and chorus program, sports such as horseback riding and football, clubs, newspaper, and an all-male cheer team. The mascot “The Purple Whirlwinds” was also adopted during this time. Despite the success of GHS, a shocking study done by Drs. G.D. Strayer and N.L. Englehardt of Columbia University in 1920 found that all the Greensboro city schools, GHS included, were physically substandard. Greensboro residents, albeit surprised by the findings, took on the challenge and initiated a school-building program. In 1927, following significant delays due to a lawsuit, the school board purchased a 129-acre property on Westover Terrace and began construction on a revamped Greensboro High School. In the fall of 1929, three decades after its opening, GHS, now known as Greensboro Senior High School, welcomed 1,300 students in grades 9 to 11 to the Westover Terrace campus. Unfortunately, the Great Depression loomed on the horizon and GHS was by no means exempt from its challenges. In 1933, the school’s art, music, drama, and vocational programs were all discontinued, as well as many clubs and services. Teachers were forced to resign in droves, and the school year was reduced to 8 months. However, the GHS community was strong, and emerged from the 1930s and 40s with a distinguished music program, of which the band was headed by the renowned Mr. Hazelman, a wide range of extracurricular clubs, and numerous state championships. The 1950s and 60s are considered to be GHS’s second golden age, during which both academics and student life thrived. The first AP class at Grimsley, European History, was introduced during the 1964-65 school year. The football team continued to thrive under Coach Jamieson, and traditions such as May Day were at their peak. Also during this era, the student body voted to change the school colors from purple and gold to the current navy and white, and the mascot name was changed to be the “Whirlwinds,” more commonly referred to as the “Whirlies.” In 1962, GHS experienced its most recent significant change: a name change. On January 16th, 1962, Principal A.P. Routh was called by the county school officials and told that due to the opening of additional high schools in Greensboro, GHS had to change its name. They warned Routh that if a new name was not selected in three hours, the school board would choose one for them. Routh and his staff, scrambling for an alternative that would allow the GHS moniker to remain, settled upon Grimsley Senior High School, named for Superintendent George A. Grimsley, whose idea it was to establish GHS in the first place. Grimsley has remained the school's name ever since, a reminder of GHS’s long history that continues into the modern day. Special thanks to Mr. Peter Byrd ‘74, Grimsley’s historian, for his assistance in the creation of this article.

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.

Meet Your Librarian: Ms. Kiss Tiffany Kiss is new to the Grimsley Media Center this year. By Georgette Beaumont February 26, 2025 Tiffany Kiss has not always been a librarian, and she did not initially think of it as a career path. “I never considered it until I started going to book festivals with one of my daughters,” Ms. Kiss said. “This planted the seed, but then it took me a few years to make the decision to go back to school to pursue my master's degree in library and information science,” At the beginning of the school year, Ms. Kiss transitioned from teaching English at Grimsley to becoming the school’s media specialist and librarian. “It has been very easy,” she said. ”I feel extremely fortunate that I got to teach at Grimsley before transitioning into this role.” Ms. Kiss enjoys the everyday responsibilities of a librarian, which include maintaining the library’s resources, overseeing the clubs at Grimsley, supporting students and teachers, and managing the school’s website. One of Ms. Kiss’s main jobs is to decide which books and resources to add to the library's collection. Each year, she conducts an inventory and analyzes book circulation to determine which genres are popular or in need of updates. She also performs a diversity analysis to ensure that the library's collection reflects Grimsley’s demographics. However, what she finds most rewarding about her role is helping students. “I like helping students find new books to read [and learn] how to utilize their technology resources,” Ms. Kiss said. ”Often, they come to me for help with different things when they aren't sure who to turn to.” Of course, the job comes with challenges. "I think that sometimes it’s hard to balance various levels of comfort with technology and technology fixes," Ms. Kiss said. Despite these challenges, she truly enjoys being a librarian. "I love my new role in the library, and I love working with Grimsley students and teachers!"

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.”

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

Musical Traditions at Grimsley: Open Mic Night Grimsley’s Modern Band stars in a night filled with Grimsley’s musical talent. By Mila Pucilowski February 26, 2025 Over the years, Grimsley High School has built up many valued and loved traditions. One of those is Open Mic Night. Open Mic Night is a music department tradition. The event happens four times a year and is run by Grimsley's modern band and their teacher Marshall Johnson. Marshall Johnson, called MJ by his students, has been teaching at Grimsley for 22 years. He started the Modern Band program at Grimsley in 2019. “My personal philosophy is that you need to meet students where they are at musically, not try to jam everybody into a one size fits all kind of option.” MJ said. Because of this, Modern Band classes offer opportunities to learn how to play instruments such as bass, guitar, keyboard and drums, and collaborate with other students on popular songs for Open Mic Night. The songs range from “Hey Jude” by the Beatles and Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” to Taylor Swift's “Red” and “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. “I think I’ve just gotten even better as a musician,” said Junior Andrew Crowell, the keyboardist for the Modern Band. “I wasn’t sure how I would do when I first signed up for the class, but I’ve learned a lot about playing music, and I”ve discovered a lot of musicians and songs through preparing for open mic. I’ve added a lot of new music to my library.” Over the five years of the Modern Band Program, “we've continued to add more and more talent to the program,” MJ said. Open Mic is the perfect place for these students to showcase their talents, as well as gain the experience of setting up for shows and performing live for crowds. “It feels good to know that there’s a lot of talented musicians at Grimsley, and it’s really fun to be able to perform music with other people my age,” Crowell said. Performing "Jump" by Van Halen are Modern Band students Grey Davis, guitar; Noah Dupont, bass; Andrew Crowell, keyboard and Elijah Blow, drums at the February Open Mic. Modern Band student Sophomore Nate Fitzgerald’s favorite part of Open Mic Night is “having moments where everyone comes together, actually makes a song and being able to show it off, and have people watch.” Open Mic is also a great opportunity for people who aren't in a music class to showcase their talent. It's also a perfect place to hear different types of music. The evening features anything from metal bands, rock, to instrumentalists playing saxophone in jazz songs. Even if you're not interested in performing, Open Mic Night is still a perfect activity to hang out with friends and meet new people. The next Open Mic is April 3rd. “I love Open Mic, it's always a fun experience to get dressed up with my friends and go listen to good music,” said Junior Genni Porter, who's been attending Open Mic for years. Open Mic started in the early 2010’s before the modern band program even existed. The event was an expansion of the previous tradition called Coffee House, started in the mid 1990’s by Grimsley Madrigal singers to perform songs for each other. But once MJ started Open Mic Night, the two merged together with a mix of singers and bands performing for the night. Now it's more of a performance night for the modern band classes to showcase what they've been working on throughout the year. However, the concert is still open to performers outside of modern band. Open Mic Night has evolved throughout the years and become the perfect place to watch emerging musical talent at Grimsley High School.