Back to class for Emily Grimm

With a new heart and a fresh start

By SANDY LONG

ELDRED, NY — Although she’s soon headed to Disney World in Orlando, FL, thanks to the Make A Wish Foundation, right now Emily Grimm is just happy to be back in class at Eldred Central High School (ECS). The young teen, who will turn 15 in November, will celebrate a different sort of milestone on September 15—the one-year anniversary of the day she underwent an emergency heart transplant.

Since that time, Grimm has fought hard to recover from the surgery. Earlier this year, she learned that she would need to undergo a tracheotomy and utilize the assistance of a breathing ventilator.

Despite it all, the Barryville teen returned to classes at Eldred Central High School on September 7.

Robert Skibinski, ECS’s school to work coordinator, and Grimm’s home tutor during her recovery, said he believes the transition is timely. “It’s rewarding that she’s back in the swing of things,” he said.

School personnel have made adjustments to accommodate Grimm’s needs, including a compressed class schedule and the relocation of some classrooms. The move was necessary due to the aging school’s lack of handicapped accessibility to the second floor. The installation of an elevator is planned during the upcoming school renovations project. “It can’t come soon enough,” said high school principal, Scott Krebs, who added, “It’s been quite an undertaking for a school like this.”

Krebs described the ongoing efforts involved as “a work in progress,” and said that having Grimm back in class is an important step in her recovery. “It’s challenging for everyone, but it’s good for her and good for the other kids,” he said.

The teen’s day begins at 6:00 a.m., as she prepares for the bus ride to school. Once there, she completes a series of classes, followed by lunch with her fellow students. “We’ve been friends since kindergarten,” said Kristina Brown. “It’s great having her back. I missed her last year.”

Grimm’s bus driver, Donna Decker, has been transporting the teen to ECS since she was a little girl and said that Grimm is a daily inspiration for her. Decker also applauded the devotion displayed by Grimm’s caretaker, Donna Ricciardella, who accompanies Grimm on the bus and remains with her during classes.

Grimm particularly enjoys her Global Studies and French classes for the opportunity to learn about other cultures. She plans to travel to France one day to make use of her language skills and to attend college to pursue a career as a history professor.

Grimm is also considering a career in set design, due to her participation in the school’s drama club. But she is also a fine painter, which could lead her in yet another direction. One thing is clear: the teen plans to keep moving forward, surrounded by friends and family and supported by the efforts of helpful high school staff members. “I’m just glad to be back,” she said. “I really like seeing everybody again.”

Walk the Walk at ECS’s Nature Trail

Last year, this annual event raised funds to benefit Emily Grimm’s recovery. This year, the event will raise funds for the Parent Teacher Student Organization’s Football Field Lighting project. The entire community and all local organizations are invited to join the walk, scheduled for October 13, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. There is no cost to participate, though donations and sponsorships are being sought to support the lighting project. Participants are encouraged to set up tables to promote their groups, clubs or organizations during the event. For more information, contact Robert Skibinski at ECS at 845/557-6014.