Grier Legend Retires

Though his classes and, most notably his tests, have challenged students over the years, students are very fond of Mr. Curtis. The 2016 Pineneedle yearbook notes, "As a knowledgeable historian, Mr. Curitis could lecture in detail without any notes, bringing to life the times and lives of our past." Students also recalled with fondess his senior projects where students immersed themselves and their classmates in the culture of another country through food, dress, and music.  Additionally, Mr. Curtis is well-known for his interest in chess, checkers, ping-pong, and tennis, sometimes challenging students to a match.

Grier honored Mr. Curtis in a special assembly full of delightful surprises.  The faculty and students contributed to a video produced by Mr. Don Neumuller and then donned white paper Curtis beards. Long-time friend and colleague Mr. James Pingry gave a speech. Mrs. Borst presented parting gifts that included tickets to see his beloved St. Louis Cardinals versus the Pittsburgh Pirates. The biggest surprise was probably the appearance of his children, who secretly flew in from afar to share their memories of their father and childhood spent at Grier and to wish him the best.