Hea dlines Check out the latest articles Read Here Join The Whirlie Post Are you interested in being a part of the Grimsley school newspaper? Interest Meeting May 20th 4:30 in room 306 I'm interested Welcome Welcome to the new Grimsley High School student newspaper. We are excited to share important news and impactful stories of the Grimsley community with you! Read More Our Vision Dedicated to creating a community in conversation with itself at Grimsley High School Learn More Letters to the Editor We welcome your respectful thoughts and opinions about the issues and topics discussed in these articles. We may publish your letter in an upcoming publication. First Name Last Name Email Subject Leave us a message... Submit Thanks for submitting!

Current Headlines Discover what's happening at Grimsley! Beloved Teacher Makes Musical Magic at Grimsley Marshall “MJ” Johnson celebrates his 20th anniversary leading vocal music at Grimsley. Previous Headlines Catch up on what you might have missed at Grimsley! Grimsley Bathrooms to Be Renovated This Summer. Indoor cosmetic renovations, as well as bathrooms and AC will be addressed during summer renovations. Ramadan: My Perspective as a Grimsley Student What does this holy month mean to Muslims and what is the purpose of fasting? Film By Grimsley Student Wins State Competition Golden Dawn director and Grimsley senior Alexander Carpenter aspires to be a successful filmmaker. Donuts: A Perspective A look at producer J Dilla and his unmatched legacy. Athlete Spotlight: Drew Mascia This Grimsley runner is not only an outstanding athlete, but also a hard worker! Giving Back to Grimsley Grimsley Goods finds ways to create a better Grimsley. Student Council Brings Back T.W.I.R.P. Dance Despite challenges, the Student Council hopes the dance will become a spring staple. Three Grimsley Poets Voted Finalists Poems by Nasir Crawford, Rainey Thompson, and Zai’ere Watson were selected in the GCS poetry competition. A Tribute to Molly Rotunda The Grimsley community mourns the loss of a beloved alumna. Objection Your Honor! Grimsley's Mock Trial Club prepares students for the future. Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Potts and Ms. Williams Meet two first-year teachers at Grimsley! Anxiety Is Real I struggle with anxiety in high school. Do you? “Overwhelmed” Grimsley Senior Charlotte Williams overcomes her anxiety. The Whirlie Cafe ​ Exceptional students serve up coffee and gain valuable experience. Seminar Class Cooks Up A Storm GHS Seminar Class finds its sweet spot with a weekly baking competition. Swann Middle to Be Shut Down, Renovated Major changes to Swann Middle School bring mixed reactions from students and teachers. Athlete Spotlight Swimmer Ellie Hunt speeds her way through the water to a successful season. Catch the Beat: Praises for Legendary Chillhop Artists Nujabes and Shing02 engineer the chill sounds of Lo-Fi Hip-Hop. Whirlie Trends Make Friends and Fun Fads in music and school essentials fuel self-expression, giving students a place to belong. What Happened to the School Newspaper? Join us as we dive into the history of the High Life.

MJ leads his students in a vocal exercise. Beloved Teacher Makes Musical Magic at Grimsley Marshall “MJ” Johnson celebrates his 20th anniversary leading vocal music at Grimsley. By Ashley Crowell In Marshall “MJ” Johnson’s classroom, there are many different flags, posters and memorabilia from years past that show the history and character of the Grimsley vocal music program. But one sign perfectly captures the spirit of the vocal music and modern band director. “NO- you may not draw on the board when I am not here or without my permission. EVER. Love, MJ,” the sign reads. MJ’s students know they can feel at home in his classroom and express themselves, but that there are limits. His classroom is a safe place, where they have a teacher who listens and will always be there for them. He’s also got a lot to teach them. “If a student believes that the person they are learning from truly cares that they learn that thing and they are going to benefit from it, that’s the magic sauce,” MJ said. He’s also a teacher who insists everyone, including staff and students alike, call him by his nickname. As he likes to say, “No one knows who Marshall Johnson is, but everyone knows MJ.” MJ has experience creating a culture where students can thrive. He first worked at Grimsley as a student teacher while studying at UNCG. After teaching music in schools in Myrtle Beach, Raleigh and Ohio, MJ returned to Grimsley 20 years ago to take over the vocal music program when the previous teacher retired. He was drawn back to Grimsley by the Madrigal program. “That was the thing I was most excited to come here for,” MJ said. “I specialized in early music as a professional singer, so I was singing a lot of medieval and renaissance music professionally in New York and in San Francisco.” The Madrigal Singers are a long tradition at Grimsley, beginning in 1966, and perform a cappella Renaissance music in period costumes. They are well known in the community and often perform at the NC Renaissance Festival, Biltmore House and many local events, including Greensboro’s Downtown Festival of Lights every December. Sophomore Bridget Schoultz has been in the vocal music department since freshman year, and this was her first year as a Madrigal. Schoultz described how her high school career wouldn’t be the same without MJ. “With MJ, I was able to find a loving community which he cherished and that made me feel comfortable,” Schoultz said. “Without MJ, my high school life so far would be so different and I am forever grateful for that.” Along with teaching the Madrigals and Concert Choir, MJ also leads IB music and two classes of Modern Band. These classes focus on teaching music students to perform on modern instruments together as well as operate sound and lighting equipment. Open mic nights are a popular part of the modern band curriculum. Several times a year, MJ’s classroom is transformed into a concert venue, complete with fog, professional lights and talented student performers. Not only does MJ teach a wide range of music at Grimsley, he also is involved in several different projects outside of school. One of his bands, Flash Jackman, released an album on Christmas day last year. MJ plays with another group, Bandemic, in the community and also leads the modern worship service at West Market Street United Methodist Church. From Renaissance music to modern rock, MJ cultivates a love of all kinds of music for his students. “I just have so many different interests and things and I am just so passionate about music and about teaching and learning,” MJ said. “Teaching is teaching. It’s all about relationships and how you convey information to other people in a way that is meaningful to them that they can connect with.” Freshman Kennedy Goree, a student in his concert choir, knows firsthand the magic of being in MJ’s classroom. She’s excited to have been tapped to join the Madrigals as an alto next school year and continue as his student. “MJ is always in a good mood!” Goree said. “His energy is contagious, and after a long day at school there is nothing better than to walk into his class and feel instantly welcomed!” By teaching a diversity of subjects, MJ has the opportunity to build relationships with students from all kinds of backgrounds. But they all find a place to belong in MJ’s classroom. “It’s a pretty simple formula,” MJ said. “It’s not complex. It’s just being kind and being open, and being authentic in every way that you can. People want to be known and people want to know you, and if you allow that, then there’s real magic that can happen in a classroom.”

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

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.

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.

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

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 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.”

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.

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 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.

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?