🎙️ Episode #31 – 2025 GHS Homecoming Candidates

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!"

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.

🎙 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.

Episode #28 – Brandon Sharp

As Brandon begins his second year in these roles, we take a step back to explore his story: growing up in Grinnell, his college journey, and the path that ultimately led him back home.

Through our conversation, you’ll gain insight into the values and experiences that shaped his leadership — and you’ll see why Brandon Sharp is yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.

Episode #27 – Danielle McDonough

Danielle has dedicated 22 years to teaching Spanish and is now stepping into a new role as an Instructional Coach for the 2025–26 school year, while continuing to inspire students in her Spanish classes.

In this conversation, Danielle shares the values, experiences, and passion for education that guided her journey and prepared her for this new position. We think you’ll agree — Danielle McDonough is yet another powerful example of why We Belong Here.

🎙️ This Week on the We Belong Here Podcast

We’re wrapping up our New Teacher Series with Duncan Delzell, the new high school chemistry teacher at Grinnell High School! Duncan grew up in Burlington, Iowa, attended Central College, and is excited to be joining the Grinnell community.

Tune in to hear about his journey, passion for teaching, and what he's looking forward to this school year.

Stay connected. Stay inspired.

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we welcome Morgan Savant, new 5th grade teacher at the Grinnell Middle School. Morgan came to the Grinnell-Montezuma from southeast Louisiana, and this will be her first year of teaching. 

Trisha Arment also joins us on the second part of the podcast.  Trisha comes back to Grinnell from the Waterloo School District where she was a teacher at the Waterloo Expo. She will share memories as a GHS Alumni and how she is excited to be back in Grinnell teaching and being around her family.

Stay connected. Stay inspired.

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we welcome Eli Rose, the new Grinnell Middle School PE Teacher. Eli is GHS Alumni and after graduating from Central College, returns to teaching where he was once a student.

Nell Hatch also joins us on the second part of the podcast.  Nell is a fourth-year Spanish teacher at Grinnell. She will share her experience as a GHS Alumni and Grinnell College graduate coming back to teach. Nell was first year teacher starting a new Spanish curriculum for 5th and 6th graders 4 years ago and talks about those challenges.  

Stay connected. Stay inspired.

This week on the We Belong Here Podcast, we welcome Haily Collins, the new ninth-grade English teacher at Grinnell High School. Get to know Haily and hear about her passion as she starts her first year of teaching and connecting with students.

We’re also diving into our podcast archives to revisit Podcast #4 with Kevin Hosbond, who is now stepping into the 11th-grade English position. It’s the perfect chance to hear Kevin’s story once again and how he interacts with the students.

Stay connected. Stay inspired.

Host Dan Walker kicks off August with a special recap of the first six months of the We Belong Here Podcast, reflecting on the incredible stories, inspiring guests, and the strong sense of community that’s been built along the way. He’ll also share a preview of the exciting plans for the future of the podcast — and why you won’t want to miss what’s coming next.

This month also features Podcast #2, highlighting an outstanding local educator: Ms. Holly Hunter, a 3rd grade teacher at Davis Elementary, who was recently honored with the prestigious Milken Educator Award. Tune in to hear her story, her passion for teaching, and what this national recognition means to her and the Davis Elementary community.

Stay connected, stay inspired — because We Belong Here.