The GNSF ”We Belong Here” Podcast

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #40- Peyton Stensrud and Sam Hatcher

🎙️ Episode #40 – Peyton Stensrud and Sam Hatcher
This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we dive into the “Great Debate” with Grinnell High School senior Debate Team members Peyton Stensrud and Sam Hatcher.
We often welcome GHS students to the podcast to talk about the clubs and activities they’re involved in, and this episode is another great example of student leadership and engagement. Peyton and Sam share how they got started in Debate Club, what the process of becoming a debater looks like, how many tournaments they compete in, and the skills it takes to succeed along the way. By the end of the conversation, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the art of debate.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to debate — Peyton and Sam truly embody what it means when we say, “We Belong Here!”

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #39 Blake Walker

Episode #39 – Blake Walker
This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome a special guest — Blake Walker, Class of 2019 and Social Media Manager at Bound-Iowa.
Even though it has only been five and a half years since Blake graduated from Grinnell, we take a step back to explore his journey through high school and college. His story fits right alongside the student voices featured in recent weeks, showing how the activities and experiences students engage in throughout high school can pay dividends later in life.
Blake shares a remarkable story of a childhood dream he never stopped chasing. Today, many may know him as “Blake, the guy from Bound social media,” but an increasing number now recognize him as Blake Walker — one of the voices of Knoxville Raceway!
Sit back and enjoy this episode. We think you’ll agree that Blake embodies our slogan: “We Belong Here!”

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #38- Harper Benesh and Lucy Skouson

Episode #36 – Harper Benesh & Lucy Skouson
This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our special guests — Harper Benesh and Lucy Skouson, both juniors and dedicated members of the FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) chapter at Grinnell High School.
Harper and Lucy share their experiences from the National FCCLA Competition in Orlando last June, as well as their recent service trip to the Ronald McDonald House at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines. Their stories highlight the leadership, compassion, and community commitment that make Grinnell High School students shine.
After listening, you’ll agree — **Harper and Lucy truly embody the message of our show: We Belong Here! **

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #37- Peyton Stevenson and Lucy Truley

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our special guests — Peyton Stevenson, a senior, and Lucy Truley, a junior — both proud members of the Grinnell High School Thespian Troupe.
Peyton and Lucy join us to share their experiences at the State Thespian Festival held at the University of Northern Iowa. They also reflect on their time in high school theatre — from the energy of Fall and Spring plays and musicals to the creativity and challenge of Large Group and Individual Speech events.
Their passion, dedication, and leadership shine through every part of their story.After listening, you’ll agree — Peyton and Lucy truly embody the message of our show: We Belong Here!

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #36- Maggie Dayton, Aden Wolfe & Ashley Wolfe

Episode #36 – Maggie Dayton, Aden Wolfe & Ashley Wolfe
This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our special guests — Maggie Dayton, a senior; Aden Wolfe, a junior; and Ashley Wolfe, Agricultural Science and FFA Teacher at Grinnell High School.
Maggie and Aden share their experiences in the FFA program, discuss the annual Fruit Sales fundraiser, and reflect on their trip to the National FFA Conference in Indianapolis. Their stories highlight the leadership, dedication, and community spirit that make Grinnell High School students stand out.
After listening, you’ll agree — Maggie and Aden truly embody the message of our show: We Belong Here!

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #35- Rebecca Sallee Hanson

Episode #35– Rebecca Sallee HansonThis week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our special guest — Rebecca Sallee Hanson, At-Large Candidate for the Grinnell-Newburg School Board.
In this episode, Rebecca shares a bit about herself — where she grew up, what brought her to Grinnell, and what inspired her to run for the Grinnell-Newburg School Board.
Sit back, tune in, and get to know Rebecca Sallee Hanson, School Board Candidate.

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #34 Ben Cooprider

Episode #34 – Ben CoopriderThis week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our special guest — Ben Cooprider, At-Large Candidate for the Grinnell-Newburg School Board.
In this episode, Ben shares a bit about himself — where he grew up, what brought him to Grinnell, and what inspired him to run for the Grinnell-Newburg School Board.
Sit back, tune in, and get to know Ben Cooprider, School Board Candidate.

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #33- Chris Starrett

Episode #33 – Chris StarrettThis week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we welcome our special guest — Chris Starrett, current Grinnell-Newburg School Board President.
As Chris winds down his first 4-year term on the school board, we will discuss challenges over the past four years and items that he is prioritizing as he prepares for another 4 years on the GHS School Board. 
When we are done, you will see why Chris Starrett is yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.
 

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #32- Aaron Backlin

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome our special guest — Aaron Backlin, 9th–12th Grade Spanish and Computer Science Teacher at Grinnell High School.
Aaron began teaching at GHS in 2009 after starting his career in the Tri-County School District. He was recently honored with the “Pack the Backpack” award from KIX 101.1 in Marshalltown after being nominated by a student’s parent.
In this episode, we take a step back to explore Aaron’s journey — from where he attended high school to the values, experiences, and passion for education that drive him today. We think you’ll agree — Aaron Backlin is yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #31- 2025 Homecoming Candidates

🎙️ Episode #31 – 2025 GHS Homecoming CandidatesThis week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome 10 incredible students from the GHS Class of 2026 — the 2025 Homecoming Court, elected by their peers.
These students didn’t shy away from the tough questions and delivered thoughtful, high-quality answers. Of course, there were plenty of laughs and lighthearted moments along the way!
The Homecoming Court is a shining example of the spirit, leadership, and character we’re proud to celebrate at GHS. They truly embody what it means when we say: "We Belong Here!"