The GNSF ”We Belong Here” Podcast

"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!"

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #30 Lisa Sharp

Episode #30 – Lisa Sharp
This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re excited to welcome a very special guest — Lisa Sharp, Interim Principal for the 4th- and 5th-grade “school within a school” at Grinnell Middle School, while also assisting with the Special Education Program for the Grinnell-Newburg School District.
This is truly a conversation you won’t want to miss! Lisa reflects on her remarkable 43 years as an educator, but even more inspiring is the love she has consistently shown for students, teachers, and schools — a passion that continues well beyond her retirement.
Through our conversation, you’ll gain insight into the values and experiences that shaped her leadership — and you’ll see why Lisa Sharp is yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.

"We Belong Here" Podcast, Episode #29 Mike Baker

🎙 Episode #29 – Mike Baker
This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we’re honored to welcome Mike Baker, retired math teacher and long-time coach at Grinnell High School.
Join us as we sit high above TT Cranny Field in the press box, taking in the Grinnell vs. Cedar Washington freshman football game, while diving deep into Mike’s journey. From the classroom to the sidelines, Mike shares the values, stories, and experiences that shaped his career and his leadership style.
Through this conversation, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the impact of educators and mentors like Mike — and understand why he’s yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.