Sports
Tip-Off Time: Gear Up for an Action-Filled Basketball Season
By: Seanna Kennamer
Football season is ending, which means the season of all things basketball is about to begin. The Grissom Tigers are ready to take on this upcoming season. Last year, we had a 19-13 overall record and a 4-2 record in the 7A division. Grissom basketball has a strong reputation, and while there have been rocky seasons in the past, the players have hope for this upcoming season. We talked to two senior varsity basketball players, Ava Smith and TJ Cole, from the girls’ and boys’ teams to get insight into what the players were thinking.
Interviewer: “What are your thoughts on the season starting up and your team this year?”
Smith: “I think it is going to be a good competing season and a winning season.”
Interviewer: “Have you seen any strong players?”
Smith: “I think Sadie Sanderson for varsity, at least.”
Interviewer: “What is her position?”
Smith: “She’s our center.”
Interviewer: “Are you guys concerned about playing Huntsville this year?”
Smith: “I don’t think they are expecting to be as good this year, so we’re not that worried about them.”
Interviewer: “And for you personally, what is your biggest goal for this season?”
Smith: “Just to produce every game and top what I did last year.”
We also interviewed starting varsity player TJ Cole from the boys’ team to get his thoughts.
Interviewer: “What is the team feeling like this year?”
Cole: “We’re undersized, but I think we’re gonna be crafty and very athletic, so I think we’re gonna be able to compete with some of the bigger teams in the state.”
Interviewer: “Any concerns you have for the team?”
Cole: “I think we need to work on our defense. Our offense is fine; we have enough playmakers to put the ball in the basket.”
Interviewer: “Any star players this season?”
Cole: “Javon Alexander, Medhi Singleton, me, and Griffin Grigsby.”
Interviewer: “What is your personal goal for this season?”
Cole: “Really just to help Javon get a D1 offer and help him get into a good school.”
Fine Arts
Grissom Theatre Goes Off to Competition
By: Lisa Beth Coble and Ava Cahue
Grissom Theatre has done it again, folks! On Thursday, October 24, and Friday, October 25, advanced theatre students performed “Badger,” a one-act play by Don Zolidis, once again proving their exceptional and promising talent! Set during World War II, the show focuses on the lives of factory workers, specifically women ordnance workers (WOWs). The play captures the struggles and resilience of these women who took on new roles in society to support the war effort. It gives the audience a look into their daily challenges, the camaraderie they built, and the personal sacrifices they made. Through compelling dialogue and vivid characterizations, “Badger” highlights the significant contributions of these workers and the impact of the war on their lives and society.
After performing the show for their families, peers, and even teachers, these theatre students are about to face what they’ve been rigorously preparing for: Trumbauer. The Walter Trumbauer Theatre Festival has been around for over 80 years. The festival includes numerous competitions, including those for one-act plays, studio theatre performances, and solo events like monologues and songs. For the one-act portion of the competition, participating high schools from the district come together on the first Friday of November to share their one-acts, which they have been tirelessly working on. Participating one-act plays are required to adhere to certain guidelines, including a maximum of 15 minutes for set-up time and 45 minutes to perform, then remove the entire set and clear all props and actors from the performance stage. Only two schools’ one-acts from the district will advance to the state level, and though it can be stressful, the experience and camaraderie this competition invokes in its participants are beyond rewarding.
For the individual event portion of Trumbauer, students spend the first Saturday of November meeting actors from different school programs across the district and have the opportunity to present to a panel of judges who will critique their performances. The judges will rank them on a scale from good (lowest rating) to excellent to superior (highest rating). Students ranked excellent or superior will be bringing home medals!
This first weekend of November is bound to be tiring for Grissom Theatre students, but all good things require time and dedication. We are confident our students will break all the legs and make Grissom proud. We hope many of these dedicated theatre students will advance to state this time next month. Go Tigers!
Grissom Band Completes Marching Season with a Bang
By: Hailey Frame
The Grissom Tiger Marching Band completed their final performance of their 2024 show Shades of Blue for the last time at the Hoover competition on October 19th. At their previous competition on September 21st, Grissom’s Band won a total of 2 awards: Best Color Guard at Prelims and 2nd place in Finals. However, at their final competition, Grissom Band won a total of 6 awards. In their classification, the Band won Best in Class Soloist, Best in Class Color Guard, and 1st place Band. In the overall competition, the band was awarded Superior Percussion, Superior Color Guard, and Superior Band tying for first place in the overall competition.
If you still want to see the Marching Tiger Band in action, tune in to watch the Veteran’s Day Parade on November 11th.
Showtime Approaches: Behind the Scenes of the Upcoming Dance Showcase
By: Anna Wheeler
We recently had the opportunity to chat with Ms. Randolph, our dance teacher at Grissom, as the dance program prepares for the upcoming Fall Dance Showcase, aptly titled Fall For Dance. She shared her strategies for keeping students motivated, her approach to choosing music for choreography, and what audiences can look forward to in the showcase.
Interviewer: “Can you give us a brief overview of this year’s showcase? What themes or concepts are you exploring?”
Randolph: “Our November showcase is called Fall For Dance, and it is a predominantly student-choreographed production. Upperclassmen in Dance 2 and 3 are given the opportunity to apply to be choreographers; they go through an application process and are chosen based on the clarity of their concepts. As far as themes in the performance, it’s going to be a show with a lot of variety, showcasing many different dance genres. We are planning to travel to Dollywood this year, so we will see a couple more Western-style dances and definitely some more country music than would typically be in one of our productions in preparation for the trip.”
Interviewer: “How does this showcase differ from previous ones? Are there any new elements or features?”
Randolph: “I would say what makes this show a little bit different is that we have some of the most prepared student choreographers we’ve ever had. I feel very confident in their work, and it’s more mature than what we’ve had in the past. As far as new features go, we have some more technical elements than we’ve ever had before. We’ll be using fog machines, and we also bought a silk that will hang in front of the proscenium. If we light that from the back, it can manipulate the size of the dancers on stage, creating a really neat theatrical effect.”
Interviewer: “What has the rehearsal process been like leading up to the showcase? How do you keep the students motivated?”
Randolph: “I think the rehearsal process so far has been good. We’ve been able to keep a good amount of positivity among the dancers, and they’re working well together. I’ve been really impressed with my Dance 1 students; they’re doing well learning more intermediate choreography than beginner choreography. I tried to challenge them, so they’re doing really well and working together effectively. For Dance 2 and Dance 3, since a lot of that is student choreography, I try to take a step back to let the choreographers really be the leaders in that space. They’ve done a great job being communicative and giving direction without being negative or critical, so that’s been really good. As far as keeping the students motivated, I really just try to celebrate all the little wins—acknowledging their growth—so that they feel successful and recognize that the work they’re putting in is paying off.”
Interviewer: “Can you describe the choreography and how you select pieces for the Dance 1 students?”
Randolph: “For Dance 1, a lot of these students coming into our program don’t have prior experience in dance, so I try to meet them where they’re at. I make sure to align with their interests, so at the beginning of the year, I let them explore different genres. Once we identify the genre that they feel most comfortable and excited about, we start discussing music choices. I allow the students to come up with ideas, and then we narrow it down to about three options before having a class vote.Typically, most of the students like to start with jazz or hip hop, since that’s where their interests lie. They quickly realize that it’s really challenging, and after finishing that piece, they often want to do something totally different, like contemporary. They end up loving contemporary because it’s a bit slower and easier to grasp the choreography, allowing them to express the emotion in the story. So, we usually start with jazz, then move to contemporary, and later discuss ballet.”
Interviewer: “What challenges have you faced while preparing for the showcase, and how have you overcome them?”
Randolph: “I don’t think we’ve necessarily experienced any challenges yet. Where we’re at right now is the transition of when the show really starts to take shape, so I anticipate that in the coming weeks, I will start experiencing those challenges. This year, we’re really lucky to have an auditorium manager again—someone who’s going to be in charge of the technical theater aspects, including lighting design and sound design. In past years, we haven’t had that, and I’ve had to figure it out on my own, which has definitely been a challenge. In a sense, if I do encounter any challenges, I have a really great parent board, so I try to engage and involve them and delegate responsibilities. I also rely on the student leaders. We have captains in our Dance 2 and Dance 3 classes, and I make sure they understand their responsibilities. The students are aware of the chain of command: they go to their captain first, and if the captain can’t address the issue, then it comes to me. This way, they feel more like a team and don’t feel like they always have to come to me; they can problem-solve on their own.”
Interviewer: “What can audience members expect from this year’s performance? Are there any standout pieces you’re particularly excited about?”
Randolph: “I think audiences can expect a really high caliber of dancing from Dance 1 all the way up to Dance 3. I really believe that each year, Dance 1 gets better and better, and their ability to perform more complex movements grows. This show has a lot of variety, so there’s something in it for everyone—from people who have never watched live dance before to those who are true lovers of the art form. I think the show is going to be great for all audiences; it’s appropriate for all ages as well. As for standout pieces, we have a really cool hip-hop dance that we performed at the Trash Pandas baseball game. I think that’s a standout; it’s really high energy and features some throwback songs from the ’80s and ’90s, so it’s going to be fun for some of the older audience members to hear their favorite music. I’ve just been so impressed with student choreography, I think that’s going to be a really big standout and I just want to highlight those. We’ve started on one of our dances for Dollywood; it’ll either be our opening or closing number for the Dollywood performance. It’s going to feature Dance 2 and Dance 3 together dancing to Shania Twain’s Man! I Feel Like a Woman!, and I think that’s just a really empowering piece of music. With only women on stage performing, I believe it’s going to be really fun and entertaining for the audience.”
With a vibrant array of performances, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of our students, it promises to be a memorable night. Save the date to experience Fall For Dance on November 21 and 22 at 7 PM in the Martha DeFord Hayes Auditorium! As the show approaches, keep an eye out for information on how to purchase tickets. Be sure to take advantage of this chance to support Grissom Dance and enjoy an entertaining performance!
Student Spotlight
Royal Insights: A Chat with This Year's Homecoming Queen!
By: Angela Brim
As the excitement of Homecoming week filled the halls, Fletcher Chua was crowned this year’s Homecoming Queen, a title she describes as both a surprise and an honor. “Being Homecoming Queen means the world to me,” she shared, her gratitude evident in her voice.
Reflecting on her high school experience, Fletcher reminisced about unforgettable moments, particularly the school walkout and the fun-filled activities that brought her classmates together. “Those moments really shaped my time here,” she said.
One of her favorite traditions is the vibrant Homecoming Parade, where students and families come together to celebrate school spirit. “It’s such a fun way to kick off the festivities and connect with everyone,” she noted.
When asked what she enjoys most about her school, Fletcher highlighted the sense of community among her peers. “The people make it special,” she said, emphasizing the friendships and support that have made her high school years memorable.
Before wrapping up, she had a heartfelt message for her classmates: “Thank you all for making these years unforgettable.” And, of course, her favorite song that she often plays to celebrate these moments? The catchy hit by Sexxy Red, which has become an anthem among her friends.
Teacher Spotlight
Teaching with Purpose: A Veteran’s Insights on Skills and Sacrifices
By: Angela Brim
What motivated Mrs. Mary Dellorso to join the military was her desire to travel. The prospect of seeing new places and cultures drew her in, and the military provided an avenue to explore the world while serving our country.
Her time in the Army taught her invaluable skills that she applies daily. “I learned how to survive in challenging situations, advocate for myself and others, and tackle tough tasks with confidence.” These lessons have become essential in navigating everyday life, helping her face challenges head-on.
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about veterans is that war is a normal part of military life. “In reality, military service is far from a typical job; it requires 24/7 commitment, and priorities often shift drastically. To change this perception, we need to share more stories about the complexities of military life and the sacrifices made by service members.”
Looking ahead, she expressed, “I hope for greater recognition of veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made, especially those who served overseas. Mental health support for military personnel is often overlooked, and it’s crucial that both the military and civilian communities acknowledge and address these challenges. Additionally, I believe in the importance of fostering new friendships and professional relationships, as the constant changes in life can make it difficult to maintain connections.”
In conclusion, her military service has profoundly shaped who she is today. By sharing our experiences and advocating for veterans, we can work towards a more understanding and supportive community.
Homecoming Recap
Reflecting on Homecoming: A Senior’s Perspective
By: Angela Brim
As homecoming season rolled around, excitement filled the air, and this year’s theme has sparked a lot of conversation. I had the opportunity to chat with a few seniors about their thoughts on this year’s event, and their insights reflect a blend of nostalgia and anticipation.
Xandi Jones:
Homecoming isn’t just about the decorations and the theme; it’s a chance to foster connections outside of the usual classroom setting. “It allowed me to get closer with friends by being able to let loose and hang out with them without being in school,” Alexandria Jones shared. This camaraderie highlights one of the key benefits of homecoming: creating lasting memories with peers.
For seniors, homecoming represents a significant milestone in their high school journey. “It’s a great tradition, and it wouldn’t feel like a real school year without it,” she reflected. This sentiment emphasizes the importance of homecoming.
As she prepares to pass the torch, Alexandria has some valuable advice for underclassmen: “Stay safe, be careful, and have fun! Also, dancing is a must! It’s not as fun if you don’t dance.” This simple yet heartfelt guidance captures the essence of what homecoming is all about—celebration and joy.
“My favorite song was probably ‘Tomorrow 2’ by GloRilla.” Music often serves as the backdrop for unforgettable moments, and this song became a highlight of the evening, embodying the spirit of the celebration.
Taylor Sweeney:
For Taylor Sweeney, homecoming represents a significant milestone in her high school experience. “Without homecoming, I would feel as if I missed some part of school,” Taylor said. This sentiment underscores the importance of the event as a cherished tradition that encapsulates the spirit of high school life.
With wisdom that comes from experience, Taylor has some straightforward advice for underclassmen: “No one’s going to care if you look stupid dancing.” This reassurance encourages younger students to embrace the moment, reminding them that homecoming is about fun and self-expression rather than perfection.
Music is a central part of any homecoming celebration, and for Taylor, the standout track was “Crank That” by Soulja Boy. This nostalgic choice reflects the joy and energy that music brings to the event, creating lasting memories on the dance floor.
A Nautical Night: Homecoming Dance Sets Sail
By: Anna Wheeler
This year’s homecoming dance, held on Saturday, October 19, transformed Grissom’s gym and the gym lobby into a vibrant underwater paradise with the theme “A Nautical Night.” Students arrived starting at 8 P.M., dressed in classic homecoming attire, from sequined dresses to sleek suits.
As attendees stepped into the gym lobby, they were greeted by oceanic decorations that transported dancegoers to an underwater paradise. The walls of a photo area were adorned with blue paper, green streamers, fish balloons, a throne, and a trident, creating an immersive experience fit for underwater royalty. Foil with a water design was draped across the ceiling of the photo backdrop, casting a blue glow on the area. Another photo spot was the large megalodon jaw replica in the lobby, which proved to be an opportunity to capture memories beneath the imposing teeth of this prehistoric aquatic predator. On the gym floor, a hand-painted backdrop featuring classic sea creatures was complemented by some recognizable characters—did anyone else spot Patrick Star?
One of the night’s special moments was the presentation of the Homecoming Court. While some court members greeted their escorts with a personal handshake, others performed a short but energetic dance routine. Homecoming Queen Fletcher Chua sported a crown and a scepter as she received cheers and applause from her classmates.
The success of “A Nautical Night” showcased the school’s spirit and the efforts of the planning committee, who worked hard to ensure a memorable experience for all.
School News and Events
Madison County DA Tim Gann Talks Death Penalty With AP Lang Students
By: Ava Cahue and Jules Schrohenloher
On October 23rd, AP Language and Composition students had the privilege of discussing the death penalty sentencing process in Madison County with Chief District Attorney Tim Gann. DA Gann has devoted his career to seeking justice, and AP Lang students have been studying the death penalty and its implications. Prior to his visit, students read Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, along with various publications for and against capital punishment. They also engaged in a student-led debate on the abolition of the death penalty. The knowledge acquired from these activities prepared students to contemplate the DA’s message regarding the thorough process of death penalty convictions and appeals. DA Gann’s main purpose was to discuss the moral complexities associated with capital crime and punishment. To begin, he emphasized qualities such as temperance and understanding, which are necessary in his emotionally sensitive position. He explained that “[his] job as a District Attorney is to prosecute, but [his] duty is to seek justice.”
Next, he explored the depth of the conviction and appeals process, utilizing interactive examples to educate students on the challenges of convicting someone wrongfully. To quote the DA, “It is a lot of work on their part to earn a spot on Death Row.” However, according to the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), one out of eight death row inmates is exonerated. It is beneficial for students to gather information from multiple perspectives to form their own educated opinions on the death penalty. According to DA Gann, the moral reasoning for the death penalty, as opposed to being a means of vengeance, is that it is a necessary component of a system rooted in upholding justice.
DA Gann also shared anecdotes about some of the death row cases he has worked on personally. He detailed the crimes to illustrate the heinous nature of these offenses, which resonated with students. Amori Richardson, an AP Lang student, was asked for her opinion on DA Gann’s presentation. She remarked, “DA Gann obviously knew very well what he was talking about and used a lot of detail about the crimes. He seemed very sure in his mindset about keeping the death penalty and had a lot of visible sympathy and care for the victims. I overall enjoyed his presentation and mostly agreed with the results of the trials.” This insightful quote reflects one of many thoughtful, original ideas held by students regarding the presentation. Most importantly, DA Gann exemplified the responsibility, compassion, and commitment to fairness required in his career.
In concluding his insightful examination of the most severe punishment in our justice system, he stated, “I want the process to work perfectly. I want it to be fair; it has to be fair. I don’t want to live with myself if it’s not.” Lastly, students were afforded the opportunity to ask questions and share their perspectives regarding the death penalty. Participation in these facilitated discussions is crucial for understanding how our country functions and represents a key step in becoming an educated and engaged citizen. AP Lang students are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to engage with this esteemed presenter, and future students will undoubtedly benefit from DA Gann’s return.
Visionary Voices: Grissom Debuts Competitive Debate Team
By: Jules Schrohenloher
With the 2024-2025 school year bringing new beginnings to our school, we are excited to announce the formation of our very own debate team! Sponsored by Mr. Zaldaña, the mission statement of the team is: “To sharpen students’ critical thinking and communication skills through formal debate, preparing them to exercise leadership in academic discourse and beyond.” The study of debate aims to nurture critical thinking, public speaking, and persuasion through both rhetorical and research skills.
When asked to speak on the positive effects that participating in debate will have on students, Mr. Zaldaña stated, “Among the greatest values debate brings to students are the capacity to empower them to engage others in meaningful discussions, to equip them to contribute to the world of ideas, and to realize their role in sustaining a vibrant democracy. Students’ voices matter. I hope this debate team creates a space where students can represent GHS well and, ultimately, their ideas can be confidently shaped into real-world actions.” It is thrilling to consider the growth these students will undergo as they meet these great expectations for the program.
Interest in the creation of the team stemmed from his debate class’s desire to compete in tournaments with other schools. Huntsville High School, James Clemens High School, and New Century Technology High School have all agreed to partner with us, and we are set to have our first competition in early December. Led by President Addison Suwarow, Vice President Madelyn Lindstrom, and Secretary Jazlyn Colindres, the team will be researching and preparing arguments on the topic of mandatory national service. Our team is hard at work preparing for our first formal competition.
According to Mr. Zaldaña, “The team will engage in competitions and workshops to help students develop essential skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and formal argumentation. Mock debates, public forums, and other critical discussion experiences cultivate students’ ability to analyze information, present sound arguments, and contend respectfully with diverse viewpoints.” Armed with skills fostered by these exercises, our team will surely secure victory in our inaugural competition. Additionally, a service project is in the works that will bring the power of critical thinking and clear communication to our community.
Regarding the goals for the introductory year of the team, President Addison Suwarow expressed that she wants to “establish a solid foundation to build a competitive team to be expanded upon in future years.” As for the long-term prospects, she said, “In future years, although I will not be here, I hope for multiple teams, our school hosting debates, and participating in larger competitions.” This positive outlook for the future of the team is shared by all 11 current members, comprising both upperclassmen who are currently assuming responsibility for the team and underclassmen who will lead recruits in the years to come. A bright future is surely in store for both these pioneering students and the debate program as a whole.
If you are interested, please contact Mr. Zaldaña in room BB2569 or at luis.zaldana@hsv-k12.org. You can follow the team on Instagram @grissom_debate.
Drop Dead Gorgeous Dia De Los Muertos Display in AA Hall!
By: Jules Schrohenloher
Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, Día de los Muertos is a rich Mexican celebration that dates back an estimated 3,000 years. Deceased loved ones are said to return to the land of the living to visit their living family for this lively celebration. To allow their loved ones to visit them in this world, families place photos of their loved ones on a festively decorated ofrenda (altar). This tradition stems from the belief that death is just another part of life and that we should take the time to remember and honor our ancestors. Grissom has many students who celebrate Día de los Muertos, so to bring this rich cultural celebration to our school community, Mrs. Sullivan has organized a beautiful holiday display in AA hall, including many traditional symbols such as the ofrenda, sugar skulls, and butterflies. Go check it out and immerse yourself in this vibrant cultural tradition!
Question of the Month Results
For the month of November, we surveyed 137 Grissom students about their favorite traditional Thanksgiving food, and we have the results! The most popular traditional Thanksgiving food is mac and cheese with a total of 38 votes. There is a tie between mashed potatoes and stuffing for the second most popular, each having 18 votes. Finally, turkey is the third most popular, with a total of 13 votes. Thank you to everyone who voted!
Click the button below or look for QR codes posted around the school to vote for the December Question of the Month. Your vote matters! Be sure to share your opinion!
