News Archive

We can't wait for our campers to have a great Grier Summer experience! The Camp Director and Grier Summer staff are here to help everybody learn and have lots of fun together.

For Grier teachers, learning never stops! For example, four teachers from Grier's Modern Language Department attended a program at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The IUP Annual Spring Methodology Conference on Foreign Language Teaching provides professional development to Grier's language teachers, keeping their classroom approaches and philosophies aligned with current best practices. They apply this knowledge to their Grier classrooms, providing premier language instruction in French and Spanish. 

Classes for seniors ended one week before they did for the rest of the student body, giving the seniors a bit of time to relax and enjoy the moment before the rush of rehearsals and preparation for Graduation events.

During a special end-of-the-year celebration, Grier honored three retiring faculty members. Mrs. Neumuller, Mr. Neumuller, and Mrs. Silverman are all retiring in 2019. Mrs. Borst and the entire Grier community honored the retirees by presenting them with flowers and parting gifts. Buntings bearing photos, both recent and from long in the past, festooned the Borst residence porch, along with a message of "Congrats!"  After some words of gratitude and farewell, Mrs. Borst presented the retirees with bouquets and books filled with messages from their Grier colleagues.

Following dinner the evening before Grier's Commencement Ceremony, parents and families gathered in Grier's Dance Building for an evening of performances. Mrs. Barbara Neumuller, Grier's retiring Music Department Chair, opened the show by conducting her last concert at Grier. Next, Grier's choirs performed, with some of the senior singers performing solos. The Dance Department closed out the night with several performances featuring Grier's Pre-Professional Dancers and senior dancer solos. 

On Tuesday, May 21st, while registered voters across the USA voted in primary elections, students at Grier voted for Student Council Officers. The elected winners will lead the students during the 2019-2020 year.

during a special all-school assembly on Monday, May 20th, Department Heads from Modern Languages, English, Math, Science, and History presented class awards to students in grades 7-11. These awards are presented to students who have demonstrated a winning combination of academic excellence, dedication to learning, and a genuine interest in the subject matter.  Congrats, girls!

Students and teachers purchased handmade ceramic soup bowls at the 7th Annual Bowl-n-Soup sale on May 16th during lunch to raise money for the Grier Community Fund. Ceramics teacher Mrs. Heidi Zimbler organized the event, which featured not only her own pieces, but also the works of her students.

Congratulations to the Grier School Equestrian Team on their fantastic showing at IEA Hunt Seat Nationals in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania! Ninth grade rider Sophia O was named 2019 National Champion in Intermediate Equitation on the Flat. Plus, Grier School Equestrian Team won the Team Spirit award for the 2nd year in a row! Look for Grier and Sophie O in the upcoming United States Hunter Jumper Association magazine. Grier School Dressage also performed a successful dressage demonstration at Hunt Seat Nationals featuring 2019 Dressage Nationals High Point Rider Lindsay S. Well done, ladies!

Grier's Art Department invites everyone to enjoy an art show featuring works from students in all of the art classes, including pieces by Grier's AP Art Portfolio students. This will be a fantastic opportunity for everyone to see, discuss, and enjoy artwork. The Grier Art Exhibit is free of charge and includes hors d'oeuvres and beverages. It takes place Friday, May 10th from 5:00pm-6:30pm in the Auditorium. This is the first event of its kind at Grier in over a decade and the artists and their teachers are very excited!

In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, enjoy this slide-show of Grier teachers at their finest and funniest during the past school year. Grier teachers uphold the school's mission to give each student the opportunity to achieve her individual potential. Grier's goal is to provide a warm, residential, home-like atmosphere where students from many nations and academic backgrounds gain knowledge, creative expression, responsibility, self-esteem, and leadership skills.

Congratulations to Grier senior Sophie K. of Grier's Equestrian Team. With her riding coach by her side, Sophie signed with Sweet Briar College where she will compete on their NCAA Hunt Seat Riding Team. Grier is so excited for Sophie who will join Grier alumna Maggie F. '18 in Virginia at Sweet Briar this fall. Grier's Varsity riding program enables competitive riders like Sophie and others to pursue competitive riding in college. Way to go, Sophie!

Grier students who participated in varsity sports during the spring season enjoyed a banquet in their honor held at the Blairmont Country Club in Altoona. Sports represented during this banquet included: Archery, Basketball, Cross-Country, Fencing, Hunt Seat and Western Riding, Soccer, Tennis, and Volleyball. During the banquet, coaches from each team presented awards to students.  Grier Athletic Director Cherie Gates thanked the coaches for their hard work and the athletes for a great season. Ms. Cherie was responsible for organizing the event, including the decorations and producing a slide show of highlights featuring the athletes at their best.  

On Friday, April 5th, the Grier community gathered to watch Grier dancers in their Spring Performances.The show was a stunnning exhibit of twenty-two pieces reflecting the variety of dance styles taught at Grier. Dancers of all abilities participated in hip-hop, jazz, ballet, modern, contemporary, and tap. Several numbers featured choreography developed by guest instructors and choreographers like Melissa Rector, Mike Esperanza, Kiesha Lalama, Jason McDole, Joshua Manchulich, and Rob Priore, along with our Grier dance instructors Jocelyn Hrzic, Danielle Bower, and Emmalee Hallinan, and the Pre-Professional class. 

Dance Director Joci Hrzic opened the performance with special words of praise for her dancers, especially how they were able to step up and fill in when key pre-professional dancer Alexa sprained her ankle just days earlier. Although certainly disappointed at not being able to dance in the Spring show, Alexa offered support and encouragement to her fellow dancers. We look forward to seeing Alexa and the other senior dancers perform again for graduation in May.

Grier musicians and vocalists took to the Auditorium stage Friday evening for Grier's wildest music concert of the year: Rock Fest! The student-faculty Rock Band performed new and classic pop and rock songs. The musicians thank everyone who came out to Rock Fest and partied down the with Rock Band! The students did great and there was a great energy. Thanks also to everyone who helped put it together behind the scenes. Rock on!

Performers from Grier's upcoming musical Tuck Everlasting, took time out of their busy rehearsal schedules to visit the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library and give the local community a sneak peek. 

Based on the classic children's novel, Tuck Everlasting is the story of eleven-year-old Winnie Foster who wishes for adventure, but gets more than she anticipates when she meets the Tuck Family and learns of the magic of their neverending youth.  The musical asks the question, "What would you do if you had all eternity?"

Congratulations to the Western Team on a successful spring break of showing! At the beginning of the week, the team traveled to Saddlebrook. The upper school team was champion both days and lots of riders qualified for Regionals. Regional qualifiers were Camilla F, Sophia K, Courtney M, Grace W, Yazmin W, Mary T, Marcella B, and Kayla M.

Sunday, the team traveled to West Virginia for Regionals and both the upper school and middle school team were champions and advanced to semi-finals. Sophie K and Mary T will be riding for the upper school team and Briana K and Marcella B will be representing the middle school team in Columbus. Individual qualifiers include Grace W, Mary T, and Marcella B. Congratulations,riders!

Grier loves to share the wonderful experiences of talented faculty members. During Grier's Spring Break, Modern Language teacher Mr. Tristan Wilson had the incredible opportunity to join the Juniata College Concert Choir on a tour to Morocco as an alumni.

For nine days, Mr. Wilson and the choir visited and performed in cities, including: Casablanca, Tangier, and Fes. The choir sang 17 different works ranging from classical to very contemporary, and in a multitude of languages that included: English, Latin, Xhosa, Tamil, Spanish, and Krao. It was extremely rewarding to sing with such a dynamic group of students under the direction of Dr. Russell K. Shelley.

Many Grier students had their first opportunity to see real pieces of the Moon when they viewed specimens collected from Apollo missions 14, 15, 16, and 17.  Grier eighth graders learnied about the science of the moon rocks during their Earth Science class time. Additionally, their teacehr Mrs. Fernandes coordinated with the local Tyrone Area Elementary School to create a terrific volunteer opportunitie for seventeen Grier girls. Following her presentation to second grade classes, Mrs. Fernandes and the student volunteers led lunar-themed rocket experiments.

The Coffee Barn on Grier's campus is like the cozy corner cafe where friends can gather over a mug of warm chai lattes, compare notes while munching on a delightful imported snack, or get smoothies and watch a movie. This year, the Coffee Barn got a bit of a make-over with new product displays and labels. Amanda Morningstar is the main operator of the Coffee Barn, which also currently employees three Grier student baristas. The charming cafe space fills the lower floor of an old log cabin and features cushy sofas and chairs as well as high-top tables and stools. The menu of drinks and snacks offers a wide variety and the shop frequently runs feature drink specials. The space is sometimes used to host open mic nights, board game events, and other fun social gatherings on the weekends.

Dance is one of the most popular programs at Grier School—and justifiably so. Nearly half of all students take dance classes at the beginner, intermediate, and pre-professional levels in styles including ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, tap, and hip hop. Regardless of the level, dancers at Grier learn from our talented faculty and guest artists and enjoy outstanding facilities. Students perform four new shows each year and attend special events such as the annual Grier School Dance Gala, choreography showcases, and national dance conventions. 

Throughout the year, guest artists join Grier's faculty to provide opportunities for dancers to work with internationally renowned teachers, dancers, and choreographers. Guests to our Performing Arts Center teach master classes, which are open to students at all levels. Guest master teachers educate dancers in various forms and expose Grier students to the eclectic repertoires found in dance companies today. Each year, guest artists-in-residence work with groups of dancers over extended stays to teach, set choreography, and develop professional relationships that extend beyond Grier's campus.

Congratulations to the students who participated in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) regional competition. Nodoka M, Rachel S, and Amber L received second place awards, while Gia S, Celine J, Yasmin G, Judi L, Betsi D, and Vivian Y took first place awards. Isabelle F received a first place award with a perfect score and Cindy W received a first place award with a special judge’s award. Great job, ladies!

Grier's Varsity Basketball Team bravely challenged the Faculty to a game.  With their honor at stake, the faculty members dominated the students, winning 54 to 34. Coach Wyland scored 24 points, while Coach Wilson had 18, and Mr. Lang had 15 assists. Ashley L led the students in scoring 15 points, and Jenna P had 7. The faculty team was made up of only six teachers who all played excellent defense; however, by the third quarter, the students had started to wear down those teachers. The girls played great defensively, did great as a team, and took many good shots. The gym was full of students and teachers cheering for everyone. It was an amazing atmosphere!  

Students in Mrs. Fernandes' 8th grade Earth Science class joined her for a field trip to Lincoln Caverns. The trip included a one-hour tour of two crystal caverns: Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks. As they learned about cave geology and local lore associated with the caves, students observed a variety of cave formations, including crystals, stalactites, and stalagmites.  The trip to Lincoln Caverns was a fun time and educational, as well!

Sophomore Liza E and seniors Lauren S and Rachel S competed in a state-qualifying NASP tournament at Bishop Carroll High School in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. Grier archers appreciate the sport for how it develops focus and concentration skills. Their confidence grows as they improve and outperform their personal best. In this tournament, Liza E had the highest score in her grade level and made twelve ten-point shots. Great job, Liza, and the rest of the archers!

Grier students, faculty, and students' families gathered in the Dance Building to enjoy the Music Department's Spring Concert on Thursday, February 28th. The concert included pieces performed by the String Orchestra, Orchestra, Flute Choir, Select Singers, and Concert Choir. About 40 Grier student musicians and nearly 60 Grier vocalists took part in the concert.

String Orchestra performed Mock Morris and a challenging Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, 1st movement.  The Orchestra performed Sherzo Colombine, Beethoven's 5th Symphony, 3rd movement, and the Wonder Woman theme. Flute choir performed Queen of the Night from Mozart's Magic Flute, Fille aux Cheveau de Lin by Debussy, and Bartok's Maruntel from his Romanian Folk Dances.  Select Singers performed Ave Generoso with solos by Annie L and Alex H, No Time, and Sit Still, Look Pretty with solos from Kirin C and Erzsi M.  The Concert Choir concluded the show with Count the Stars and Dance With Me.

The Equestrian Team traveled to Harrisburg in February to show in the Winter Diamond Show and Heritage Winter IV Show. First place finishers include: Lilly F, Sophie K, Lareina Y, Jimena P, Sarah L, Sydney R, Marcella B, and Courtney M. Champion and Reserve Champion winners were: Marcella B, Courtney M, Sarah L, and Lareina Y. Good job ladies!

Grier Seniors organized an evening of fun beginning with a guest hypnotist and wrapping up with a Beach-themed dance party in the gym. The hypnotist called volunteers on stage where he successfully hypnotized several Grier girls, much to the enjoyment of the audience of peers. After this hilarious show, many of the girls enjoyed dancing to the DJ's music while sipping on some tropical punch.

Congratulations are due to Grier’s Model UN Club members who competed at the 47th Model UN Conference held at Penn State Harrisburg this month. During this two-day event, the students discussed and developed ideas to solve global issues while also strengthening their understanding of United Nations operations. Grier girls competed in debates on the topics of nuclear disarmament, landmines, and the crisis in Yemen.

Diana N received an award for Best Position Paper for her work on Disarmament. Molly J was awarded Outstanding Delegate in a Crisis and Julia G won Best Delegate for her work in the Game of Thrones Crisis committee. Model UN club advisor and history teacher Mr. Steven Packnick applauds the students for their great work.

The Grier Foxes Fencing team dueled against rival team Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School on their home turf at Grier and then again at Bishop Guilfoyle in Altoona. Stuart Crocker coaches the Grier fencing team and moderates fencing matches between Grier School and Bishop Guilfoyle. Grier's Fencing Team Captains are: senior Michelle S and junior Lucy W.  

Last month, members of Grier's elite choir, Select Singers, performed at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Altoona. The performance was part of the church's concert series that showcases the inaugural year of a newly acquired pipe organ. 

Students at Grier come from all over the world and often delight in learning about each other's cultures and traditions. In honor of Lunar New Year, a group of students arranged a special treat for the whole school to enjoy. Some of Grier's Asian students helped decorate the living room with festive red and gold decorations, symbolizing prosperity, good luck, joy, and beauty. 

The Grier Basketball Team honored their senior players during a special ceremony preceding the game versus Johnstown Christian.  Seniors Amy T, Noah L, and Sherry X received special gifts and mementos celebrating their contributions to the team.

In another recent game versus DuBois Christian, the Grier girls played a good game. They never gave up and played hard until the end. Amy T had an awesome game, she had 13 points. Abby S also had 8 points. Jenna P got her first points of the season by hitting a three pointer. After honoring the Seniors the team faced off against Johnstown Christian. The Grier girls had a great start  by scoring 23 points in the first quarter! Maiia had a game high 16 points and Amy produced 12 points.  They played hard until the end and only lost by 2 points! Congrats, players!

Grier students, faculty, and staff enjoyed some sweet treats this Valentine's Day thanks to the bake sale organized by the 7th and 8th grade classes. The students solicited donations of baked goods from teachers, housemoms, and parents, then sold the goods in the Auditorium during Extra Help. The bake sale raised over $650 for the Grier Fund, which helps support the Grier community in times of need. 

Congratulations to Grier Equestrian Team for their stellar performance in two recent competitions.

Earlier in February, the Hunt Seat riders did great work during the two-day IEA Hunt Seat Competition at Grier. The Upper School team was Champion on both days and the Middle School Team was Champion on Saturday. Grace W was the Upper School High Point Rider on Saturday and Sunday. Maci I was High Point Middle School Rider on Saturday and Sophie K was Reserve High Point High School Rider on Sunday. First place winners included: Grace W, Sophia O, Sydney R, Courtney M, Lucy H, Maci I, Lareina Y, Marcella B, Sophie K, Cassidy R, Yazmin W, Sarah L, Judy W, and Claudia G.

The Grier School Dressage team had a great performance at the IEA Dressage show at Bethany College on Sunday! The upper school team brought home Reserve Champion of the AM show! First place finishers include: Royce M, Courtney M, and Marcella B.  Congratulations to our Grier riders and their proud coaches!

On Thursday, February 7th, the entire Grier Junior class attended an NACAC College Fair in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At the fair, juniors had the opportunity to meet with representatives from hundreds of colleges and to attend workshops on various college selection and preparation topics. Members of Grier's College Counseling department and some 11th grade teachers accompanied the students as they traveled by bus to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

Grier girls recently enjoyed a weekend trip to a local ice rink where skaters, both experienced and new, gave the ice a whirl and had a blast!

On Friday, February 1^st, guest performers from Key Arts Productions treated Grier students to a special music program. Titled “Soul Sounds,” the trio of musicians took Grier students on a journey through the rich history of African-American music in the United States. The program began with slave call-and-response style songs and progressed through the decades with ragtime, jazz, blues, funk, hip-hop, and more.

Grier girls gathered at the Coffee Barn for a classic American Superbowl Party. Whether it's the competition of the game, the snacks, the clever commercials, or the camaraderie, this annual sporting event always draws a crowd. As the New England Patriots faced the Los Angeles Rams for the NFL Championship Vince Lombardi Trophy in Superbowl LIII, the Grier girls enjoyed a delicious selection of sandwiches and snacks while they rooted for their favorite team.

Following auditions, Grier Musical Theatre Director Mrs. Ginger Reinhardt announced the cast of the upcoming musical production Tuck Everlasting.  Congrats to all principles and those who will participate in dance and ensemble!  The show is sure to be spectacular!

Astronomy club ventured to Penn State last week to tour the NASA Swift mission headquarters! Swift's original purpose was to search the universe for gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Since then, the Swift mission has branched out to study all sorts of space phenomena and has greatly increased our understanding of the early universe, where heavy elements came from, when stars began to form, and much more.

Winter weather means that experienced skiiers and newcomers alike have the chance to hit the regional ski slopes. In the winter months, Grier offers skiing as a winter sport. Chaperones escort students to Tussey Mountain Ski Resort for afterschool skiing. Winter weekends frequently provide opportunities for Grier skiiers to venture further, to resorts like Blue Knob and Seven Springs.

Congratulations to the Grier Equestrian Team on a chilly but successful show at the Mcdonogh Winter Classic in Maryland! Sophie K brought home blue ribbons in the 3’6 Open Equitation, 3’6 USEF Medal, and Junior Hunters. Grace W placed in all of her Children’s Hunter and Medal classes. Sophia O made the call-back and placed in the Taylor Harris Medal. Cassidy R was Reserve Champion in the Pre-Children’s Hunters.

During Lab Days each Marking Period, Science classes often make use of the extended periods to conduct interesting labs. Whether it's through soil analysis, a study in respiration, interactive dragonfly evolution, viscosity experiements, modeling electricity,  understanding density, or reactions to hot and cold, Grier Science classes immerse and engage students in learning about themselves, the world, and beyond.  

Last week, a choreographer visited Grier and spent time working with Grier's Pre-Professional Dancers. The guest, Nancy Lushington, is an Associate Professor of Dance at Marymount Manhattan College in New York. While at Grier, she shared her talents with the Grier dancers while doing a bit of scouting for Marymount. 

Grier's Varsity Basketball Team got a taste of competition before the Winter Break when they defeated Blair County Christian School with a score of 30-26. Noah L scored ten points, Amy T scored eight, Abby S, Maia M, and Arden S each scored four points in this season opener. Now, the players look forward to taking on Northumberland Christian School on Thursday, January 17th at 5:00pm in the Grier Gymnasium. Come out and cheer for Grier!  

Grier's Music Department is excited to announce the upcoming Musical Theatre production for Spring 2019:  Tuck Everlasting!  The musical is the story of eleven-year-old Winnie Foster who wishes for adventure, but gets more than she anticipates when she meets the Tuck Family and learns of the magic of their neverending youth.  The musical asks the question, "What would you do if you had all eternity?"  It is based on the classic children's novel by Natalie Babbitt and adapted for the stage by Claudia Shear and Tim Federle with music by Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen. Students interested in roles in the musical should listen to morning announcements for information about auditions.Grier will present Tuck Everlasting on Friday, April 26th and Saturday, April 27th at 7:00pm. 

Through this project, the students learned programming fundamentals that they will implement next semester as they begin coding.  Enjoy watching the robots dance, spin, wobble, bounce, and sway!