Our first class of graduating seniors graduated! How does this change our team? Well we lost several seniors from editing, writing, community and focus groups which provides you an opportunity.
The Griffin Chronicles will be hiring scholars to work in the newsrooms. Our first issue of 2017 will debut the last week of September after we return from summer break. The board of editors will start posting openings on this website so stay tuned. We look forward to bringing you even more creative writing and journalism. Stay safe fellow scholars. I can't wait to take Mr. Moore's class and see what is in store for us this semester. If you are interested, feel free to go to the "Contact Us" tab and say Hi! Stay safe and have fun. -Editor's Desk
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Memphis, TN- GRAD Academy Memphis Honor's Choir under the direction of Ms. Alisa V. Caldwell performed on Friday, February 24, 2017 for the residents at Grace Healthcare in Cordova, TN. This performance was a part of their choir class project. The performance was heart-warming, eye-watering, and just amazing! Scholars performed solos, duets, and full choral arrangements. Ms. Caldwell also shared with a solo while being accompanied by our pianist Mr. James Pope, Jr.
The event was full of what GRAD Academy is about: teaching with love through authentic project based learning! Ms. Caldwell lead this project by sharing her heart for the elderly and serving our elders. The respect that she has for the elders was shared as the choir honored the people at Grace Healthcare by singing. The choir followed Ms. Caldwell's heart and found that giving back through their gift of voice is a spectacular feeling. The Grace event planner has invited the choir to perform monthly for the residents. The choir is planning on their next performance being in April. We look forward to what these angels will sing about next. If you wish to have GRAD choir come sing for you contact Ms. Caldwell or GRAD Academy Memphis. By: Anastasia Eichelburger
Have you ever wondered about the foul smell that hit your nose every time you step outside of your home in North Memphis if you live near the old Firestone plant? Many people wouldn't know about the illegal landfill that is in your neighborhood on a dead end street. Studies show the chemical toxins found in this landfill lead to hazardous birth defects in children, cancer, miscarriages and other life threatening illnesses. The story was first reported in MEMPHIS, TN by Localmemphis.com, A Local I-Team investigation shuts down an illegal dump site. It is illegal to deposit any waste onto land with no license to accept waste. Local News cameras caught crews illegally dumping on a dead end street near the old Firestone plant in North Memphis. The Memphis Public Work director, Dwan Gilliom, spoke on behalf of his employees that were caught on camera doing the misdeed. He explains the video as “an embarrassing situation and inexcusable.” Yet, we can only question if he was sincerely concerned about the well-being of the people in this neighborhood. Memphis is a beautiful city, with ugly, underground systems in place. We, as a city, should band together to dismantle these systems. Instead of destroying our city, we need to come up with ways to make it clean. Ask yourself, “How can I be a piece to solving this puzzle?” In South Memphis, near our school there are dead end streets filled with waste and illegally dumped materials. We as a community have a right to clean streets and environments. We have a right as humans and scholars to enjoy the same liberties and gated communities in suburbia. We look forward to being a help as we continually clean the GRAD Academy Memphis campus. We take pride in our school and the grounds. I suggest that the next time you see someone littering to remind them that trash should go in a trash can and not our streets. by: Ernest Walker
The Patriots and the Falcons will face off in Superbowl 51 to see who will become the champions. Will this even be a good superbowl this year? The Falcons have the number 1 offense in the NFL, while the Patriots got the number 8th defense in the NFL. The public opinion believes this is not an even match up. Personally, I believe the Falcons should take the win to become the Superbowl 51st champions. In the previous game between the Patriots and the Falcons, the Patriots won 30-23 in a close game. However, the two teams did not have their main players. Statistics show the Falcons should win, but Patriot fans disagree. Tom Brady cannot be underestimated. With his help as starting quarterback, the patriots have had six Superbowl appearances and won four. This will be the Falcons second Superbowl appearance. Matt Ryan has never been to a Superbowl, which might motivate him to lead his team to victory against the Patriots. The Falcons may be considered the underdogs in Superbowl 51,but they still have confidence that they can win. ______________________________ New England won 34- Atlanta 28 in a thriller. I intentionally held this story. I wanted to see how close my predictions would be. I was very close. The bigger issue, in regards, to society is how the Super Bowl can bring an entire nation together. I can't wait until we no longer need sports to bring us all together. To look on television and see thousands of people joined together for fun and appreciation of a game was beautiful. I wish that we could be joined together like this all the time. All over America people of all colors and ages enjoyed parties and watching the game. I guess sports does bring us together but why do we have to limit this love to sports only? Let's enjoy each other every day. by: Omari Dunigan and Katara Ricks
A feminist is a person who supports the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. Crowds filled with feminists gathered together at January 21st for the Women’s March on Washington, a peaceful counter-inauguration against President Trump. Activists, singers, actors/actresses, founders, senators, and common people were all involved together to participate in the march. They protested against police brutality, sexism, white supremacy, decriminalization, sexism, and many other things that Trump has perpetuated during his campaign. The march stretched across the United States, happening in Memphis, Alabama, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles In addition, countries around the world began to support the Women’s March, such as Peru, France, Australia, India, and Kenya. The Women’s March on Washington began with a Facebook post made by 60-year old Rebecca Shook, a retired attorney in Hawaii. She awoke to thousands of women wanting to express their voice. We interviewed a GRAD facilitator, Ms. Cunningham, who left to participate in the march. Why did you go to the march? I wanted to be a part of history. Everything happening in the world seems like it’s not in our favor, and I wanted to let everyone know that we do have a voice and can set up the process to change the world. Would you like to go back there again? Yes. I would actually take my daughter. It is important that we all play a part in justice. Would you recommend this to anybody in this school? Family, friends, anybody around? Yes, I would. I highly recommend participating in positive events that raise awareness. I think everybody should be more educated about the topics before they engage. This march provided me a freedom to express what I want to be and see in others. DATING: Social Media Do’s and Don’t By Kyla Lewis
Valentine's Day has recently passed. We can expect to see many people “cuffed” on every social media site. I have compiled a helpful guide of do’s and don’ts for the new and old lovebirds. DON'T 1. GOSSIP Your Relationships should be private. There have been too many sad situations where a young lady has experienced heartbreak. This is when my fellow lurkers sip their tea and read long, drawn-out paragraphs about how she’s done nothing but “hold him down,” or his inappropriate behavior. GIRL! Get up and dust yourself off. The slightest argument is NOT Facebook’s business, although I love to read it. Nobody needs to know what’s going on behind close doors because there are so many people that want to fit in those gaps. Guys this concept is for you too. Keep your mouths shut. 2. Force Yourself Into A Relationship Be happy single! I will not endure another long Lomotif of famous couples, who possibly have broken up, with Queen Bey serenading in the background. Nobody wants to read your constant depression and loneliness. If you are single, you better love yourself! How do expect love when you don’t love yourself? Don’t make yourself vulnerable on the internet because that’s nothing but a magnet for someone to come with intentions to waste your time. Get off social media because some of these couples aren’t what it looks like. Go be happy and let love come when it does. 3. Don't stoop to low levels. EXPOSING IS NOT WHAT’S UP. No matter what you and your ex broke up or fell out about, exposing is never the answer. If anyone sends you a private message, they trusted you with that. You’re wrong, if you break that trust! Regardless of the current situation, you were trusted at one moment and that trust is expected. People look for things to judge everyday; don’t be the person that incites hypocritical comments. Don’t be salty; just flex on your ex, in the words of 21 Savage. DO 4. Show your girl/guy off There is nothing your partner will love than to know that you absolutely adore them. As a girl, I know that us ladies love for our boys to make other girls that want him who he only wants. It makes us feel appreciated and earns the boy some respect. There is nothing wrong with being proud of your girlfriend or boyfriend. A person can do nothing but be happy for others who are happy. The only thing Facebook needs to know is that you all are happy. 5. Comment and share each other’s photos Be your girl’s or guy’s biggest fan. Never be ashamed to share your bae’s photo or comment heart eyes. Let them know how gorgeous or handsome they are to you. If you all are rocking, prove it. ALWAYS BE THEIR BIGGEST FAN! 6. Keep a Clean Inbox If you’re looking happy in your relationship, there will always be someone that tries to break that happiness. However, if you are in a committed relationship, then you have dedicated yourself to that person. Therefore, your actions should show exactly faithful and devoted you are to them. Never have your girlfriend or boyfriend looking foolish due to your unfaithful ways. Keep your inbox clean people! Anything that you can't say publicly should not be said privately. Be beautiful and love people. -Kyla |
AuthorScholars will create editorials on various topics. Guest facilitators will have the chance to write-in. |