Mx. Ok

My time at Grand Ledge has been a memorable experience. When I first started at Grand Ledge, I came in during the Covid Era. The building was quiet, there was no one in Student Services, no students in the building. I remember walking around the building and thinking wow, this is a really big school. I did not know where I was going to fit with the population of the school; if students and staff would know who I am because the school was so HUGE. Throughout the years, I have built many good relationships with students, teachers, staff, and families. The school building and population may look big, but as a whole, I’ve learned that the majority of the people here in this building function so well as a tight knit family unit, a supportive unit for one another. I enjoyed the memories and relationships I have built here. Especially the one when we lost electricity because of a squirrel. My advice to my seniors is that wherever you go, it’s going to be okay, you just have to find your people. The world may look big, but once you find your people, it will seem a lot smaller. If you decide to go to college after high school, join some clubs, hold study groups, and/or attend school events. Don’t let the size of the student body hold you back, find your belonging. For those who are going straight into the trades and the work forces, attend social events, maybe find a hobby, build relationships with your classmates or coworkers. Don’t let this big world make you feel like you’re this small ant that no one notices or knows. Don’t let it stop you from being the best you.

Mr. Westra-Hall

I came to GLHS in the beginning of COVID-19, unsure of what was to come. Honestly, I was ready to walk out of education all together before coming here. I am grateful for the friendships and opportunities here that have revitalized my love for learning and creativity. From helping advise The Ledge yearbook which constantly broke school records, advising clubs like GSA, Model UN, Diversity Club, and Orion’s Belt, teaching AP Lang and the state’s only LGBTQIA+ literature class, and putting on my dreams of the Humanitarian Symposium, I have a reignited excitement that I missed. Even through the difficult times, I am grateful for the great support who wanted the best out of all of us at the end of the day. I am finally pursuing my PhD in Educational Studies at the University of Michigan this upcoming fall and help future teachers be even better. For seniors, whatever your journey is, I hope you have the passion and drive to do great things. While it is important for you to stand up for what you believe in and fight back against hatred and vitriol that seeks to dismantle and divide us, it is also important to not take your own life too seriously. Don’t take yourself too seriously and be unafraid to make fun of yourself and enjoy the good moments. And lastly, don’t be mistaken about your mentors and community. Those who want to uplift you the most are the ones who will be supportive while holding you accountable, and not the ones who will let you do nothing and get away with it. Challenge yourself and you will do great things.

Mrs. Petersen

I am retiring after 30 years of teaching! I taught in Berkley, Swartz Creek, and Williamston before finding my forever job in Grand Ledge. Grand Ledge has been the best place to spend 20 years teaching! I have always said I have the best students in the school, and I hold strong to that statement today. Of course, there have been tough times. The recession from 2009-2012 was a difficult time to teach (so many additional responsibilities and so many funding cuts), and then COVID. I know some of you remember Zoom Choir! I would come into school to teach on Zoom just to feel some sort of connection with the familiar. During this time I learned there is no *perfect* place/time/age to be, but we have to choose to make our own *happy*. Music has been my sanctuary, my students the choir. Sing a song, take a walk outside, hug a friend, get off your phone, drink more water, laugh often and loud, judge less, accept more and take on challenges. Don’t stop growing!