Photo Caption (from left to right): (8-18-17 Photo) Bank of Little Rock mortgage representative, Jeff Widmeyer, Student Nathaniel Grindstaff and Glendale Principal, Dr. Natalie Cauldwell. (8-25-17 Photo) Glendale High Students Gillian Huntsman, Gabby Mathews and Renee Newkirk.
Real Proud recognizes 4 Glendale High Students
Four Glendale High School students were recently recognized by Bank of Little Rock Mortgage on Friday, August 18th, and Friday August 25, during Glendale’s varsity football games. The students were honored as a part of the Real Proud of Real Falcons program, sponsored by Bank of Little Rock Mortgage. The program recognizes hard-working students who are actively involved in their community and extracurricular activities. The students honored were Nathaniel Grindstaff, Renee Newkirk, Gabrielle Mathews and Gillian Huntsman.
Nathaniel Grindstaff is an accomplished musician, singer and actor and has received the highest honors in all four of the fine arts departments at Glendale High School. Nathaniel was first chair in district band in his freshmen, sophomore, and junior years. He also received #1 rating for French horn in the MSHAA State Music Festival as well as a #1 rating all three years at the MSHAA State Music Festival in both the vocal solos and the vocal ensemble competitions. Nathaniel was also awarded 2nd place award in the National Association of Teachers in Singing his Junior year. Nathaniel has been the lead actor for three years in the Glendale productions of The Addams Family; Ghost of a Chance; Clue, the Musical; Insane With Power; Big Fish, the Musical; Cases of Mistaken Identity.Renee Newkirk is a senior visual arts student. She has enrolled and excelled innumber of advanced art classes, to include the diverse classes of Painting I, Drawing Iand II and Art Portfolio. In addition to her natural God-given talent, Renee is one of the hardest working art students, not just depending on class time to complete projects, but by taking home every project, putting in extra time to better her skills, but more importantly, to pursue her passion. Currently serving as an A+ tutor in an Art Foundations class, she is also sharing her talent with others while helping them grow in their artistic abilities. Her dedication to her art has also earned her local recognition. Renee has represented Glendale in numerous high school art displays at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts and at the annual All-School Art Show at the Springfield Art Museum.Gabrielle Mathews, better known by students and staff as Gabby, was recognized for being a distinguished student in the area of Servant Leadership. According to Glendale staff members, Gabby exhibits a number of qualities of which both students and staff have come to depend on and seek out. Gabby is a veteran leader of our Peer Mediation group. She excels in areas of social problem solving, critical listening skills, and creating realistic solutions. Gabby’s skills have now allowed her the position to help facilitate the training of new peer mediators and to even lead the discussions of a mediation session. She has a listening ear and open arms when it comes to helping out students, and will assist or take the lead when called upon by adult leaders who need a dependable leader. In addition to being a peer mediator, Gabby has taken on leadership roles within student council, the Cabinet, and the Lady Falcons Basketball team, in which she will be a 4-year starter.Gillian Huntsman was recognized for being a distinguished student in the area ofLeadership and Student Involvement. Gillian is a student that the Glendale community,her teachers, and friends are very proud of. She is dedicated to her school work, andhas great attendance. She is also one of the most involved students in activities andevents outside of school time. And like one of her teachers said, she’s quickly becominga GHS icon.As the manager of the Glendale school store, The Nest, and this year’s SpiritCommissioner, she has made a commitment to encouraging the collaboration betweenCabinet, The Nest, The Flock and athletics to increase school spirit. She plans,organizes and leads meetings with representatives of each of these groups. Her effortsencourage the participation of everyone in the Glendale community. Gillian exemplifiesand promotes the importance of being involved, in a positive way. The activities she isinvolved in, all benefit Glendale High School and our community.
