Life + Culture

Samples and Sips

United Way of Mesa County's Taste of the Grand Valley Article by Faith Rodriguez | Photography by Tyler Payne- Tyler Payne Production Taste of the Grand Valley is a beloved annual event hosted by United Way of Mesa County. The event includes samples from eight food trucks, and sips from four wineries and four breweries. Attendees have a great time sampling food and beverages and listening to live music while supporting our local community.  Planning for the 2025 event is underway, get...

Life + Culture

Fave Food Truck Fare

Article by Tiffinie Storm It’s hard not to notice the significant boom of food trucks that has happened in Mesa County in the last several years. A far cry from even 5 years ago when fast food and fine dining were the only options. They have become so popular that even private businesses and local festivities are asking for food trucks to participate in their events.   Everywhere you look there is a plethora of options to tempt your taste buds!  You could try a new one every day for a month...

Beauty

Pollux Shines - Bright as its Name

New Owner Big Dreams HAPPEN Here Article by Sadye Saad | Photography by GJ Lifestyle Sadye Saad, a third-generation GJHS alumnus, once a student of Sal's (ceramics), knows the power of spirit and determination of a GJHS Tiger. Growing up as the daughter of a small business owner in her local community, Sadye can speak fully to the power of community connection and the value of a local landmark small business. Understanding the impact a local small business has on a community, Sadye recognized...

Education

Student Services - Wardrobe and Wellness

Look Good, Feel Better Article by GJ Lifestyle | Photography by Lily Caldwell Dazzling Gals, Dapper Dudes When it's time for Back-to-School, not all students are given equal opportunity for school shopping and frankly even those whose families could afford the things they want for school clothes, sometime there are items that just seem hard to find.  No more feeling like the options are exhausted for finding what you want in attire, thanks to the Tiger Boutique and Haberdashery. Students...

Arts + Culture

Form and Function

Stone Age to Marvelously Modern Article by Justin Whiteford, GJ Lifestyle | Photography by Lilly Caldwell, Maggie Moorland From Justin Whiteford: Our motto at Grand Junction is honoring the past and embracing the future, which so perfectly represents the situation that we are in with our brand new high school. We have such a strong and unique history in this valley and it is important that we understand the shoulders that we rest on.  We really look forward to moving into a...

Arts + Culture

A Fresh Look at Visual Arts

Dogging the new “Digs” Article by Sean Henry | Photography by Lily Caldwell GJHS Art: A Culture of Excellence in the Grand Valley, GJHS Art is the premier art school in the Grand Valley, offering an unparalleled range of classes designed to inspire and cultivate the next generation of artists. Our diverse curriculum includes foundational courses like Art 1, specialized tracks such as Ceramics 1 and 2, Photography 1 and 2, Graphic Design 1, Printmaking, 3-D Design, Mixed Media, and advanced...

Arts + Culture

The Music Department

Band, Orchestra, Vocal Article by Brad Hirsh, Nicole Roos, GJ Lifestyle | Photography by Lily Caldwell From Chorus Director - Brad Hirsh Grand Junction High School is proud of its performing arts department, and the GJHS choirs are one of its four members.  The GJHS choirs have been directed by Brad Hirsh since 2015, and their goal is to serve students of all levels who are interested in pursuing vocal music.  We offer six choirs of various voicings and ability levels, including two mixed...

Arts + Culture

Performing Arts - Theater

“Play”ing to Their Strengths Article by Bryan Carlson | Photography by Lily Caldwell Theatre is a multifaceted experience allowing us to express ourselves through collective storytelling, education, and entertainment. It allows our students a platform for expression and creativity through acting, song, dance, lights, sound, painting, and much more. Our Theatre at GJHS has a long standing history of bringing arts into the valley and I am incredibly proud to be a very small part of that legacy...

Life + Culture

Fruita's New Face

New Mayor is a Visionary who is Young at Heart Article by Maggie Moorland | Photography by provided Imagine a city with a small-town vibe. One where you might find the mayor providing technical advice on how to give a perfect pie to the face at the city’s annual festival in honor of a headless chicken. A large, green dinosaur named Grrreta sits front and center in the heart of the city, Circle Park. Yet, this unique little city was recently named as one of the 50 Best Places to Live in the...

Life + Culture

Summer in Ouray

Nature, Adventure and Relaxation in the the Switzerland of America Article and Photography by Maggie Moorland Ouray, Colorado sits nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Each summer, Ouray transforms into summer haven from the heat in lower elevations. Known as the "Switzerland of America," this charming town offers a perfect mix of breathtaking adventure and peaceful relaxation.  Once the snow has melted, Ouray's lush greenery and network of scenic trails surfaces. The most popular...