An Angel in Madison

By: Isabel Gnagy

Art. To most, a required course at most high schools but here at Madison High School it is another story. Mr. Grier, one of the most beloved and outstanding teachers at MHS passed away February 15, 2018. The day, only a month ago, started out uncertain with the news of his passing as it was a controversial rumor but by the end of first block it was officially confirmed. He was gone too soon from our school and too fast for our hearts.

Heartbreak rang throughout the school. Flowers and works of art were laid in front of the Streak Shack as a memorial to him. And on all social media platforms there were various accounts of memories with Mr. Grier. Many recall his musical taste, always playing Artic money or other 80s/90s rock throughout his whole class period. While at first in the beginning we all found his taste strange, we learned to love not only the music but the man himself. 

His personality was always something that stood out as well. His sarcastic comments that always incited laughter through any student will never be forgotten but instead always remembered and cherished. Along with his jokes came his ever so present want to help any student in any way he could. His endearing and calming ways helped numerous troubled students who had either came to him or he had gone to check on when he felt they were troubled. He cared so much for all students of Madison and many of us cared just as much back. Possibly even more.

Mr. Grier taught us all two major things in that very art class: Expression and love. He taught many that art is more than just lines and colors. Art is a way to express yourself and your feelings in a creative peaceful way for others to see and relate to. His teachings have inspired many to become an art teacher as well or become an active member in the art community. He had taught us so much and it hopefully will never be forgotten.  

He taught us to always love ourselves and others around us. Treat them with care and never isolate someone out because they were different. He continuously went out of his way to make sure no one was left out. For several classes he brought in snacks such as donuts and if someone ever had an allergy he did all he could to make sure they weren’t left out. He would bring in their favorite kind of food because they couldn’t eat the donuts or the delectable snack he had that day.

Jeff Grier was an astounding person and a critical part of the Madison High School staff. Not only will his family mourn his loss but so will the teachers and students of Madison High School. We may have lost a teacher but we have most definitely gained an angel.

What's Next For The Women's Choir?

BY: Seirra Craddock

All three of your Madison High School Choir’s went to contest Nordonia High School. The best score you could get would be a 1 rating out of 5, and in order to move on to states you must score a 1. Concert Choir had scored 3, Eclectica had scored a 2 and Women’s Choir scored a 1. Since, Women’s Choir had scored the best they get to move on to states. Four years in a row they have made it to states and they have brought home a plaque in honor of going that far.  

Stacie Ratajc, this being her first year in the high school as well as being a part of Women's Choir, felt that this was a wonderful experience. “I felt that this was another way to hear us, as well as come together more as a whole choir.“

Reese Morgan had also chimed in, as this being her first year in this choir, but her second year in high school, “ It was beautiful to see how much work and effort we put together in this and to see a great outcome and to have success and make it to states.”

Others had said how they worked together to have such a beautiful harmony. This being Bailey Rieck third year in Women’s Choir, she is very proud of being able to make it to states again and hopefully bringing home another plaque. Everyone had said that the girls only have a few minor things to fix and they feel that they should be ready to bring home yet again another plaque. They travel the weekend of April 20th to Highland Medina High School. Wish these ladies good luck!

Jack's Journey Through The Junior Year: The Disastrous Delays

BY: Jack Tagliamante

Please stop delaying Project Unify. It's been like 4 weeks since we were supposed to do it, then we had to push it back because we weren't ready, then it got delayed for losing one of the greats, then a snow day. What's next, are we going to get a present from North Korea? How about King Kong destroying the school? Maybe the Girl Scouts burn the place down! Just really think about it, do you think there's another reason behind this? Maybe the reason why we keep on delaying it is because they went full Space Jam and took all of the players skills and now we have to go against the MonStars. Maybe there's something even bigger than that, maybe there's something more.... sinister.

Probably not though. We've just kept on pushing it back for the extra tension for when it actually does happen. But I feel like with the good old Madison luck the world would end when we were actually going to have Project Unify in full effect. But how? I hear none of you asking, I don't know that's up to your imagination, stop bothering me about it. Overall I just want to watch Project Unify on the day we promised, I want us to push through it no matter what because it's worth it in the end. How long has it been since we've had an assembly? Probably a million years, the last one I remember was the homecoming court one when they played the games, so I think it'll be good to have everyone back in one room again.

Reasons Why We Have to Have Project Unify This Friday

• We promised
• It's been delayed like 8 times
• Donations to the Special Olympics
• We promised
• Why not?

We Are United

BY: Kaitlyn Rohl

Project Unify is based on the foundation of diversity, different individuals valuing each other regardless of skin, intellect, talent, or years. This helped provide a great way for teachers to get involved with the students, parents to engage, and the student body to join together and become more of a whole, while showing support for their peers, impacting them greatly. Our community has grown to look forward to this event every year. This year's Project Unify will be held on March 2, 2018.

The varsity players use the buddy system, pairing with the special ed athletes, getting more involved and helping out. In honor of the event, many special guests are invited, including the parents, the superintendent, and the Board of Education. While everyone gets excited for game day, the star athletes put in 2-3 days of practice before the big game to prepare and are provided with lunch after the big action packed game along with the special guests. While the big game helps the special ed students feel involved, it also brings the student body together as one, allowing them to show support for one another creating a unified school.

This year’s Project Unify leaders are Emma Burkholder and Rachel Collins and since the last Project Unify they have been putting on fundraisers. This past August the girls put together a fashion show with loud music, lots of dresses and models, they auctioned off the dresses to their peers for this years Homecoming. Also, they held a spaghetti dinner with the Madison community to raise the rest of the money for this years event. This past week the girls have been selling T-shirts for eight dollars, and tickets for fifty cents. All of the funds they raised this year and past years went as a donation towards the Special Olympics. The fees needed to make shirts and purchase awards that are given at the end of the event.

Rachel and Emma want to encourage everyone to come out this Friday to help support and bring our community together. “Project Unify is an awesome event, Rachel and I have been working at making this the best year yet. We would like to see all of our classmates and our Madison community there for support, can't wait to see everyone there!”