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Legislative session ends with passage of school directives Lawmakers address issues of race, recess, girls’ sports By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmedia.com
IMAGERY BY RASHELL/PROVIDED
Milton High School senior Haydn Bendall sits with her baker’s dozen varsity letters.
Student-athlete earns 13th letter By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com
MILTON, Ga. — Senior Haydn Bendall, who played softball, basketball, track and field and flag football throughout her Milton High School career, earned her 13th varsity letter on April 13. Athletic Director Gary Sylvestri said it’s a record for the school.
Senior living home withdraws petition
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“I don’t think anyone is ever going to beat it, to be honest with you, I really don’t,” Sylvestri said. “I’m so proud of her and her accomplishments, and it goes beyond the fields into the classroom as well, but for 13 varsity letters, that’s amazing.” Haydn’s dad, Jamie, said the accomplishment comes as no surprise, especially because Haydn has been
County adjusts plan to survey unhoused
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involved in recreational sports since she was 4 years old. In addition to swimming for the Alpharetta Sharks, Jamie said Haydn played for the Alpharetta recreational basketball program and Alpharetta Youth Softball Association. “We have an embarrassing amount of riches in North Fulton when it comes
See VARSITY, Page 6 OPINION
“I like old Joe,” other antiquities
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ATLANTA — Rebranding “critical race theory” to “divisive concepts” proved more palatable to state lawmakers who passed an all-encompassing bill outlining what is acceptable to teach in Georgia classrooms about race-related issues. The session began in January with several bills touching on the subject of discriminating “on the basis of race,” according to their sponsors. It ended in early April with one bill, House Bill 1084, known as the “Protect Students First Act,” which ultimately passed both chambers and was sent on to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk for final approval. House Bill 1084 outlines nine concepts prohibited to be discussed or taught in the classroom. School systems that veer into these danger zones could potentially lose funding and instructional flexibility in other areas. Officials with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, which represents the vast majority of public
See LEGISLATURE, Page 10