WGHS Staff Spotlights: Mrs. Baird, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Billy

At Walnut Grove, our staff is what holds the building together. Viridian News chose to highlight Mrs. Baird, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Billy for being so exceptional.​
by Brayden Downey and Lauren Brandt

Mrs. Baird
Since Walnut Grove High School opened its doors in the Fall of 2009, Mrs. Baird has been a staff member. She teaches self contained classes for the severe and profound.

When Walnut Grove High School opened its doors, there was a lot of redistricting for Loganville schools, and at the time, Mrs. Baird worked for Loganville High School. She was offered the chance to move schools while keeping the same position she worked and to bring her own children, which she gladly accepted.

In the beginning, Baird didn't originally major in education, but instead Hotel Management & International Business. Throughout her life, she has always felt that we, as people, are no less than the person ahead of us and no more than the person behind us. In a conversation with Baird, she stated, “I hope that the people whom I meet take with them that kindness & patience I have for those who are different and find ways they can apply that in their own lives.”
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For Mrs. Baird, this is her last of 30 years teaching, and now she's finally able to retire. Thirteen of her thirty years teaching have been here at Walnut Grove. She is retiring in June of 2023. She's both excited and a little nervous to start this next chapter of her life, yet I have no doubt that wherever she chooses to go, greatness will follow - Brayden L. Downey

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Mr. Walker
This year, WGHS welcomed Mr. Walker, who teaches English and Literature, and he coaches the Boys Varsity Soccer team. Approaching the end of his first school year here, he states, “[I want to] be the very best teacher I can be for those in my charge.”

Growing up in London, he was inspired by many things for his future career, like a bus driver, lighthouse keeper, and a soldier. Mr. Walker also mentioned, “However, I developed a passion for music and decided that, instead, I would be a musician and become part of an orchestra.” He ultimately ended up in teaching.
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His interest in teaching at WGHS was sparked by the warrior statue in front of the school and “green has always looked good on me.” When asked what he enjoys most about our school, he jokes, “It’s probably the Chick-Fil-A biscuits on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.” He goes on to say, “The best part is the people here– students and faculty alike. Most students don’t get to see just how special this school really is,” Mr. Walker reveals.
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This past soccer (or football where he’s from) season was “memorable” and “exciting.” With his guidance, the soccer team is “coming off [their ]best ever season.” Mr. Walker thanked their fans, which “many of them were my senior students,” because “[they] really got behind the team and made each game memorable.”

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Mr. Billy
Mr. Billy is a flooring technician at our school. He makes sure that the floors are clean and sanitized properly. Mr. Billy has spent almost 6 years working at WGHS. 

“I like to help whenever I can,” he reveals. In the mornings, “[he greets] everybody when they come in.” Grace Sharp states, “Mr. Billy makes my days brighter and knows how to put a smile on my face.” Mr. Billy adds,”I enjoy seeing smiles on people’s faces.”

When asked what he enjoys most about Walnut Grove, Mr. Billy replied, “I like the staff, kids, environment, and cleanliness of the school.” He also enjoys watching basketball games. Mr. Billy started working at our school because “[he likes] working around kids and helping out with the school.”
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From keeping our school clean to putting smiles on our faces, Mr. Billy wants to “make every day a great day.”

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