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This is a very special day for seniors, the first of many, when they start to realize, graduation is around the corner and they will be leaving Grier to start a new phase of their lives. Cari Crago started this tradition several years ago when teachers pick a student that has changed their life is a special way. Below are some of the proclamation made to the students and pictures of tearful moments. Click here for the picture gallery and all the pictures of the event under Special Days.
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Sue Choe from Kara Lawler -
Teaching 12th grade English isn't always an easy task--especially at 8:15 in the morning on a sunny day at the end of April to a group of high school seniors who are showing signs of senioritis. This student made it easier. Even on the days when she walked into my first period English class late, eating her breakfast, or on other days when she lamented what we were reading, she made the class lighter because, while she has made it clear that English isn't her favorite subject, my class is still her favorite class. This remained true even though I never gave into her request to buy first period a coffee pot! She's made many comments about how she's glad that she starts her day in English with her fellow classmates and me. What more could I ask for?
This student also took the time to try to get to know me-not as an English teacher-but as a person. One day, after spring break, I was having a bad day-nothing was going my way. She really made a difference to me on that day when she asked me to take her shopping for her prom and graduation dresses. It made me smile and remember that I teach for two reasons and my relationship with her embodies both. I teach to try to share my love of literature with my students and to get to be a part of the life of a teenager. I know her as both a student and a person, and I would say that while she knows me as a teacher, she also knows me as a person, too. She made a difference to me because she reminded me of why I do what I do.
I'll describe the girl who has made a difference this year to me in an acronym: S is for sweet and sassy, U is for unique, and E is for elegant. I've been lucky to know her and truly, she has made my year brighter. Sue Choe, thank you for reminding me how rewarding it is to be a teacher. While I'll miss you when you leave Grier, in the words of Doctor Seuss, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"
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When I first met this student, I was thrilled by her commitment to creating music and her enthusiasm for joining groups offered at Grier.
She immediately struck me as a fun outgoing student and I was excited to get to know her. It didn't take long before I could recognize her "Missus Reinhardt" without seeing who was talking, and I felt comfortable joking with her and asking her to take on extra responsibilities. I've watched as this student actively participated in music, student council, basketball, and Chinese cultural activities and have noted how dedicated she is to her interests.
I've chosen to speak about this young lady not only and our shared appreciation for music, but also because of our shared love for girly apparel. ...Jessie Sun please accept my best wishes for for your future.
Sincerely, Ms. Reinhardt
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| Laura Menefee – from Josie Gildow As a first-year teacher, I haven’t gotten to know many of the seniors, but I’m glad to say that I did get to know one of the best. This person is well known for being a “fashionista” here at Grier, someone whose personal style makes an impression wherever she goes. But while her eclectic wardrobe and neon acrylic nails may be loud and dramatic, she never is. This person carries herself with dignity and class that speak—but never scream—volumes about her always-individual approach to life. When I considered what I would say about this student, I thought to myself, “I wish I could have had such presence and self-possession as a senior in high school.” This person is calm, collected, and wise beyond her years. For example, I’d like to share just a small kernel of wisdom from a personal essay she wrote in my Philosophy class: “Stepping out with a bold individual look doesn’t always portray confidence, either. On days when my scarf and shirt clash horribly, or I am wearing a piece that hasn’t yet hit the mainstream, I often feel ridiculous. But it is on those days that I am particularly sure to hold my head extra high and rock the outfit extra hard, for myself.
To feel scared of something and do it anyways is empowering. Owning your self-expression is empowering.” That reminder—to always be a strong, self-assured woman; to hold my head high without excuses or regrets—sums up just how Laura Menefee has made a difference to me. |
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Isabel Kaiser from Greta Kies -
I kept thinking about all of the things I wanted to say about this person because there were so many. Then one night I read this book to my daughter and realized, HEY....This special folks are on to something. Not only for the person who has made a difference in my life, but for all of you-here is as a life lesson.
So...to Izzy Kaizer-I know there were many times you've had your leaf chasing days and I know that there were many times you wanted to throw down the rake and quit, but you didn't. Now here you are graduating soon and I'm grateful that I have had the opportunity to know you and to share some of those leaf chasing days with you. You have taught me things about life and strength that I know one day I will have to teach Amelia. I'm proud of your accomplishments and those leaf chasing days you've raked through.
So for getting through those leaf chasing days and to prepare yourself for those to come, here is your pot of honey. I hope that when those leaf chasing days come around again, you look at this honey and think of all of this, all that you have done, and the things you know you have taught me and remember---I won't throw down my rake either.
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Life at Grier 
