Gwinn Middle School students are losing their school, not their pride.
Read more: Community, Local, Sweater Vests, Gwinn Middle School, Ellen Degeneres
GWINN -- Budget cuts and declining enrollment are forcing Gwinn Middle School students out of their building. In August, district officials plan to move the students into extra space at Gwinn High School. The move will save the district money.
Kim VanDrese, the Gwinn Middle School Principal said, “A lot of sadness surrounding it, but we understand that during these times we have to do things that are cost effective.”
But middle school students at Gwinn are staying positive. The principal plans to meet the changes the way they usually do: with humor and fun.
The school decided to invite Ellen DeGeneres to the closing of the school.
VanDrese said, "I went home one day after a tough day, and we were all really down about moving and was watching the Ellen show and realized that she had such a genuine positive spirit, and I thought, we need to tackle this in the same way."
Thursday, everyone at the Middle School wore sweater vests, like Ellen DeGeneres often does. It was a little way to encourage her to accept their invitation.
Many of the faculty and staff at Gwinn Middle School believe Ellen DeGeneres always tries to turn negative situations into something positive. And because she is so comfortable with herself, the students say she has been their role model for staying true to themselves.
Eigth grade Gwinn Middle School student, Kelsi Beaumont, said, “She's a great role model for teens, saying that you can do what you want, you can do what you need to do.”
Teachers at Gwinn Middle School believe sweater vest day has united the faculty and students during a difficult time.
Gwinn Middle School teacher, Chris Swanson, said, “It takes a whole effort, a lot of kids get behind this, a lot of smiles today.”
So even if DeGeneres declines to come, the students and faculty are planning to handle the school closing like she would--with a positive attitude and without fear.
