What do a skydiver, a marksman, and a whitewater raft guide have in common? Believe it or not — they’re all GHCDS teachers! That fun trivia was just the beginning of this year’s Student Symposium, an event that set the tone for curiosity, collaboration, and Panther pride.
Students kicked things off by entering the pavilion carrying colorful banners created in advisory. Each banner proudly displayed a mascot and represented every member of the group, building a sense of community right from the start.
From there, students broke into discussion groups to dive into our summer reading, Fahrenheit 451. Guided by seniors and NHS leaders, the conversations came alive through “agree or disagree” statements designed to spark debate, reflection, and deeper understanding.
Adding to the excitement of the afternoon, student leaders proudly introduced their respective clubs, each one enthusiastically inviting classmates to get involved. From the creativity of Drama Club, the empowerment of Melanin Magic, and the strategy of Chess Club, to the confidence-building of the Public Speaking Club, the advocacy of the Healthy Relationships Club, and the practical skills of Home Economics, each group shared its mission and purpose with energy and pride. Their presentations showcased the incredible range of opportunities available at GHCDS and encouraged every Panther to find a place where their interests and talents could shine.
As author Neil Gaiman reminds us in his introduction to Fahrenheit 451:
“Fiction gives us empathy: it puts us inside the minds of other people, gives us the gift of seeing through their eyes. Fiction is a lie that tells us true things, over and over.”
This spirit of exploration, empathy, and truth carried through the afternoon, making the symposium not just an academic exercise, but a celebration of learning, leadership, and the connections that make GHCDS such a vibrant community.
