Pitchfork, Issue 4 2020-2021, Marietta High School, Marietta, GA

PITCHFORK

THE

EST 1928

Marietta, Georgia

Marietta High School

Issue 4

@mhspitchfork

May 25, 2020

CLASS OF 2021 - WINNING MOMENTS

Lady Blue Devils win it all, 7A state basketball champs Kendall Gazaway Section Editor The girls basketball team brought home the 7A State Championship title after beating Woodstock High School 52-47.

Fans lined the 2.2 mile stretch of Whitlock Avenue from the highschool to the Marietta Square with posters and balloons cheering in support as the team left for the Macon Coliseum. As they traveled towards I-75, Marietta police blocked intersections while leading the caravan with Marietta fire.

“It was a great feeling to see the community come out and support us before going off to play in the state championship game.

The support played a major role in our victory,” Ajia Smith (12) said.

Coach Derrick DeWitt admitted he was concerned about the long travel time but those were minor concerns.

“I was so confident in our preparation and our Marietta players,” DeWitt said.

He reminded his team to play “together with soul,” to show “who we are and what we do,” and to remember “this is a business trip, and after the win is a field trip.”

His goal was to settle the team down and play with a relaxed intensity, as they had practiced every day.

“People listed us as the underdogs but we pulled together as a team and showed the world who the real state champs are,” Makayah Harris (10) said.

Continue to pg. 13 for “Basketball”

The girls celebrate after winning the state championship in Macon.

This is the first championship win for the team since 1951.

Photo by Antwan Williams

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A letter to next year’s editor-in-chief Savannah Hernandez Editor-in-Chief Dear 2021-2022 Editor, Congratulations! I am so honored to pass the title of Editor-in-Chief to you. I am certain you will do amazing things with this opportunity. When I first joined Pitchfork, I did not realize the true friendships I would make, the wonderful accomplishments I would achieve, or the cathartic lessons I would learn. Pitchfork is a place of personal growth and discovery, as well as an enlightening experience as you learn about your community and others. This class has had such an impact on me and my future.

I truly and wholeheartedly believe that I would not be who I am or where I am today without Pitchfork.

With that being said, you have control over your experience as Editor-in-Chief. Every sacrifice you will make, whether lack of sleep or hours in the Pitchfork room working on layouts, will lead you to a better and brighter future-self. Even your GPA is a sacrifice you have to make, but I personally believe this is more valuable (if you make it so). Pitchfork has allowed me to become a more accomplished individual and leader; it taught me various life skills that will support me in the future. I will forever cherish the hardships and memories made in the Pitchfork room, and I hope that one day you will feel the same.

Pitchfork is not just a class, it’s a family. You learn, grow, and bond together through your successes and failures of misconception. There is a unique environment in the classroom, so take it all in. I know this can look overwhelming, so please text or call me if you ever need advice or just simply need to rant (I’m sure I can relate to something from my four years haha). I know that you are ready for this challenge and amazing opportunity! I will always be there to support you and the future staff of Pitchfork; I know I am leaving it in great hands. Through the headaches and stress, please remember to have fun! Celebrate the small and big successes I know you will all have. This is a life-changing opportunity-make the most of it!

Reality check of senior year Piper Rausch Assistant Editor In a pandemic, nothing is ideal. COVID-19 has ravaged our community, our healthcare system, and our day-to-day operations. Even so, to say that COVID-19 ruined our senior year would be a massive overstatement. We weren’t granted all of the typical opportunities that seniors should get towards the beginning of the year- no camaraderie or super special senior moments.

We waited four years to finally feel like seniors, and the first semester felt like a bland extension of our junior year with a few perks thrown in.

Even so, in the second semester we learned to thrive. We were granted a senior week, an assembly, and that “senior” feeling. We float down the halls with stress off our shoulders and a certain light-heartedness that accompanies the hope of an impending graduation. In retrospect, we didn’t lose that much.

We were allowed sports and homecoming court, rolling and parking spots, and the freedom to have lazy days on Zoom if we didn’t feel up to in-person that day. We will have a graduation, a senior prom, a movie night, and a last day of school. In reality, we only lost five months of in-person instruction and camaraderie.

In return, we were granted four-day weeks (and, for that matter, three-day weekends), flexible deadlines, extremely understanding teachers, and smaller in-person classes. We learned and developed as people and were granted time to grow. We were given the perfect schedule for those afflicted with senioritis.

At this point, we understand that nothing is the same as it could have been. Obviously, our senior year wasn’t like that of the classes in the past. However, we were granted numerous opportunities to make as many memories as possible. Senior year was far from normal, but it was also far from ruined.

My final words to you are to remember the wonderful responsibility you have as a leader of The Pitchfork. Storytelling. Throughout time, great writers have put pen to paper by carefully manipulating language to paint vivid pictures and tell everlasting stories. We tell stories to transform ourselves, learn about our history, and broaden our perspective. Stories have the universal ability to share passions, fears, pain, hardships, and joys. And with that, the power of storytelling allows people to motivate, inspire, and capture the reader. As the leader of the newspaper, you are able to work with a team on ways to educate and give back. It allows you to tell stories of people in your community and learn their truths. Your voice, as well as many others, can feel heard on this platform. Journalism has taught me that learning someone’s story is just as valuable as a scientific fact.

Over the past few years being a part of The Pitchfork, we have had the opportunity to cover “hard-hitting stories” about our students. We have covered the resegregation of high schools across America, life as an undocumented student in Marietta, voting registration for students eligible to have their voices heard through the polls, and resources for students dealing with domestic abuse. As much as a high school newspaper can be “light-hearted,” covering stories about a new club or football state championship, I have learned the most covering stories with impact.

Nevertheless, you are a part of creating an environment for your cohort to feel comfortable bringing not just the light-hearted news to the table, but stories with deeper meaning. I hope that you carry this passionately forward into the future for Pitchfork. It leaves me without words when I think about the power Pitchfork has to serve our community and offer them an outlet for knowledge and expression; it is a blessing.

I wanted my impact to be centered around telling important, unheard stories and reaching new communities. What do you want your impact to be? Remember that it isn’t just about the awards, the recognition, or even the boost to your college application. This role holds so much more than that. It’s about the storytelling, the connections, and the growth of not just yourself, but of your staff and the community around you. I am honored to leave you with this responsibility. I wish you nothing, but the best and future success.

Savannah Hernandez, Editor-in-Chief

Stuck on a computer screen Danielle Ho Staff Writer As a person who has always enjoyed teaching themselves through online platforms, I never expected having to spend my senior year almost entirely through my computer screen. From my freshman to junior year, my classes were already implementing more assignments through different platforms such as Itslearning and google classroom, so I was aware of how a class could operate online.

But once my senior year began, and I had to tackle a full IB schedule, I was overwhelmed with 40 open tabs and plenty of incomplete assignments. It was definitely a new experience to adjust to and my sentiments of learning quickly changed. Unlike the self-starter passion I had when I would teach myself how to code or how to knit through the internet, I found that the structure of online school forced me to absorb information at a faster rate without slowing down to allow myself to process it.

I also lost the interpersonal touch that in-person education provided when I began online learning. For me, remote learning harbored an environment of isolation and independence where I found myself communicating with my peers and teachers less. I felt so disconnected emotionally but there was always an expectation to be fully present and connected. It wasn’t until I learned about the same struggles of my friends, that I knew that we could keep each other accountable and support each other through our senior year.

With not carrying around a backpack all year or saving paper through online assignments, I missed the niche aspects of being on campus. But this experience also gave me a perspective of how education is evolving in our digital age. With experiencing school completely through a pixelated screen, I was able to navigate online resources efficiently and I saw the impact technology has played in the development of how we teach and access information.

What it means to be a Blue Devil to me Kendall Gazaway Staff Writer I would not have wanted to grow up anywhere else than my hometown. Marietta, Georgia is a unique big city but yet small town. Our local Kroger is a place where you will always see someone in there who knows your name. Marietta High School is known for the wide-spread of traditions from old to new. Whether it is a 50 year plus tradition of rolling the school on the first day to ringing the bell in our football stadium for a touchdown to white formal dresses for senior homecoming court, these generational, historic acts created by people referred to as “Old Marietta” is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Being a Blue Devil is such an honor and privilege and is a great way to be hands on in our Marietta community. The phrase “Be Somebody” has been brought back to life after the recent passing of Coach Friday, but has been a way for not just Marietta High School to come together, but the entire town. This phrase was first used in the football program at Marietta High School and was a way for the team to form and come together as one. It has been a way in the more recent years at Marietta to bring the school together, to motivate each and every student to be the best they can be each and every, and to encourage everyone to make an impact everywhere they go.

Being a Blue Devil has taught me so much, but I would not have wanted to be anywhere else. My roots will always be in Marietta and I hope that wherever I go my Blue Devil Spirit will shine.

On the cover- 2021 moments: Boys’ golf area tournament winners Vaccine distribution at MHS Cheer at the homecoming game One Act region winning cast Track region champions Commencement announcment Cross country state champions Girls’ tennis Elite Eight Girls’ basketball state champions Senior assembly Seniors at a football game Homecoming court

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Pitchfork is published by journalism students at MHS. It is free to the student body, staff and community. The views and opinions expressed in the Pitchfork are not necessarily those of the administration and faculty.

Editor-in-Chief

Savannah Hernandez

Assistant Editor Piper Rausch

Section Editors Alexandra Audrain Rebekah Bradbury Julia DePasquale Kendall Gazaway

Business Manager Lillian Salter

Staff Writers

Joshua Beyene Ella Chesney Nina Clark Zachary Harrison Danielle Ho Isabelle Lovejoy Icy McFall Etinosa Ogbomo Izabella Sara Antwan Williams Kate Williamson

Adviser

Andrea Lyons

Mission Statement Pitchfork is a student written and produced newspaper aimed at educating, enlightening, and entertaining MHS students. All content is determined by the staff in an attempt to be relevant to the student body.

PITCHFORK WANTS YOUR INPUT Letters to the editor should be brought to J208 or emailed to pitchfork@ marietta-city.k12.ga.us

Opinions

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From Maryland to Marietta Antwan Williams Staff Writer In September 2019, I arrived to Marietta High. My first thoughts were, “Wow, these guys are privileged. Who needs all this space just to go to class?

Y’all doing too much.” Coming from Maryland, I didn’t have that much of a nice school- not the facility or the people. So when I came here, I was more to myself and just waiting for someone to try me.

The first day I got into Mrs. Lyons class, somebody was throwing skittles at me, and I turned around and gave these group of guys the look. It turned out to be this girl and she realized she might have started something. She said, “Uh new boy, it wasn’t them throwing the skittles at you, it was me.” I guess she had found me cute but in that moment I knew I had to let that past mentality go and lighten up.

Days to weeks to months passed and I started to love this

school. I’ve gotten experiences I had never gotten in the pastgoing to football games, basketball games, pep rallies, state championships, and I even made the lacrosse team. Through all those times, I was meeting and being with new friends every moment. But all good things come to an end because of quarantine! Yes go Corona! The first year I actually liked school it was taken away.

After last year ended and being in quarantine, a new school year arose, I was glad to have Pitchfork with Mrs.Lyons because she is my favorite teacher. When I first came to this school she was the most welcoming. She gave me lectures about school history, encouraged me to go to fun events s and when I saw her outside of school at those events, she gave hugs and greeted me with her wonderful family. Mrs. Lyons introduced me to Pitchfork where I got to write for the school paper, go to games for free and take pictures, which made me feel more like a Blue Devil and important. It was mad cool going to the entrance of the events and it was expected for me to be there - name on the list type of vibes.

My senior year was not a normal year, but I made the best out of it and will always be thankful. Thank you Marietta!

COVID-19 on top of senioritis Rebekah Bradbury Section Editor There’s no doubt every senior struggles with senioritis, tackling the overwhelming feeling of being burnt out.

However, none of us could’ve predicted this feeling would hit Spring of our junior year. The start of the pandemic threw us all off track, with virtual learning, it was hard to continue to stay motivated, especially when the end of the year was approaching so fast.

Senioritis struck before we knew it, and was carried into the first semester, a time filled with IB papers, assessment preparation, college applications, and so much more. Personally, it was a struggle to make it through these things, I lost so much of my motivation as the year I had most looked forward to was changing in so many ways. We went into school knowing nothing was the same, we were met with close to empty classrooms and black screens on the board, the only word I could find to describe it was depressing. It was hard to get up and come to school knowing half my friends were behind a screen, it was

hard to put effort into papers and homework that may be worth nothing if assessments didn’t happen.

The uncertainty of the world on top of the complete burn out felt impossible to overcome and weighed on me the whole year. I knew there were so many people I wouldn’t see until graduation or maybe ever again. I couldn’t help but dwell on the memories I was losing, those taken from our class, and the whole school by the effects of the pandemic. Even silly things would cross my mind, like how my class never won a pep rally.

There was so much that everyone missed out on, and it definitely took a toll on everyone in a different way. However, despite rocking our world, the pandemic school year also taught me a lot of lessons. Instead of waiting for the end, I learned to live in the moment. With everything changing everyday I taught myself to get used to not knowing what I would wake up to everyday.

I learned to focus on what I was given and try to make the best of the situation I was living in.

Sure our senior activities were not the same, but at least they were there. The unknown was scary, but it was important to remember, everyone was living in it, not just me. The sooner I began to focus on what is happening versus what may happen, the better I was able to make of the weird new normal we are living in. This year has for sure been one like no other, but we made it.

Falling in love with ATL Izabella Sara Staff Writer This past year and a half has undoubtedly been full of chaotic events that changed the way of life for everyone around the world. When COVID-19 lockdowns were first put in place in the U.S, I was a student at Marietta for only 7 months after moving here from Chesapeake, VA a couple weeks before school started. Being a new student my junior year was rough; I missed my friends and family, my home, and everything I was familiar with. Marietta seemed like a strange place to me and after a few months passed, I felt I did not belong and had made a mistake moving here.

When March came around and everyone was stuck at home, I actually felt excited that I could take a few weeks off (let’s all laugh at that one) to explore my new home and reflect on everything positive that has come out of the move. As the world was changing dramatically in the blink of an eye, my attitude towards my new home here shifted just as quick. I fell in love with Marietta, and especially Atlanta; with all of the extra time on my hands and no set date on when things would “return to normal”, I began to appreciate the beauty right in front of my eyes and even decided to stay here for college.

While I found adjusting to online learning and keeping up with assignments difficult, the positives definitely outweigh everything else that was going on. My new-found admiration for this city and its surrounding areas made me excited for my next four years here. When I first arrived, I made it my mission to leave the South A.S.A.P, but now, I can’t wait to take in all of the wonderful opportunities this new experience will provide.

Pitchfork 2020-2021 Awards 2020-21 Georgia Scholastic Press Association (GSPA) Spring Awards Pitchfork received a Superior rating and won the GSPA Community Award for the 4th year in a row.

IG, Twitter, and Issuu @mhspitchfork

GSPA All-Georgia Award Piper Rausch for Editorial Cartoon

Pitchfork Senior Editors- Quill & Scroll International Honor Society cord and pin recipients (l to r): Piper Rausch, Kendall Gazaway, Savannah Hernandez, and Rebekah Bradbury.

Superior Ratings: Piper Rausch Rausch for Editorial Cartoon Savannah Hernandez for Editorial and Photo Essay Nina Clark for News Writing Kate Williamson for Editorial Cartoon Ella Chesney for Ad Design Alexandra Audrain for Feature Photo

2020 National Scholastic Press Association Fall Conference Awards Savannah Hernandez 4th forEditorial Leadership Julia DePasquale 5th for COVID-19 Reporting 2021 National Scholastic Press Association Spring Conference Awards Savannah Hernandez 6th for Photojournalism Alexandra Audrain 6th for Editorial Leadership Other national awards: Savannah Hernandez won the James Alan Cox Foundation Student Photojournalism Award, 1 of 5 in the nation.

Alexandra Audrain is representing the state of Georgia at the Al Neuharth Free Spirit Journalism Conference, only student selected from each state.

School News

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Science observatory prepares to open next school year The observatory program invites students to explore diversity, biology, engineering and art on campus Kate Williamson Staff Writer The outdoor observatory, the newest development at Marietta High School, will officially open at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year. Dozens of students and teachers have volunteered to give the school’s courtyard a makeover. The program started as an attempt to renew the outdoor area, which served as an ecology research area years ago. It was later abandoned due to hurricane damage, but the idea of a biology-centered research space for students was not. Valerie Trotter, the initiator of this program, collaborated with other science teachers to set up an observatory space once again.

“It’s just been something I’ve really wanted to do for a long time, and I know how useful it will be for our students,” Trotter said.

An observatory is a structure designed to give researchers a deeper insight into natural elements, such as ecology and zoology. This observatory in particular is meant to incorporate S.T.E.M. into classrooms using a unique, interactive and hands-on approach. It will also help restore the temperate forest environment behind the school with honeybees, native flowers and fish around the high school’s campus grounds. With a creek babbling through the area, the observatory project will give students a chance to interact with real-life outdoors in a controlled environment.

Additionally, the main theme of the 2021 school year, as well as this program, is JEDI: an acronym standing for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. The rows of painted rocks, places to make art, and murals are meant to stand as a symbol for justice, giving marginalized communities in Marietta a place for expression.

“We want [the observatory] to have a JEDI and social justice theme as well as science,” said Amanda Barrett.

Spanning across the courtyards and looping behind the soccer field, the observatory will include a flower pollinator garden, a weather station, a pond, a nature path, and an area for murals and artwork. Students can come on their own time for a peaceful escape or with a class or club for projects.

Another feature of the observatory is the weather station. It’s a solar powered machine which can identify the temperature, pressure, humidity, rainfall amount, and more. Solar energy is also used as a power source for the cameras, which help students to see and observe the environment rain or shine.

The nature path will extend around the field into the forested area. For academic usage, Ms. Trotter suggested that students may be able to identify and interact with different organisms along the pathway.

The observatory will include bird and bat houses. According to Sandra Macauley, little brown bats will be attracted over the course of the year as a way to promote native wildlife prosperity and biotic diversity. The birds and bats will also double as a measure to keep insect populations in check. The attraction of birds and bats to the area, as well as other native species, emphasizes the significance of preserving a healthy ecological environment.

“I am excited about revitalizing the outdoor space on our campus, adding a pond, and truly making it more than just a nature path, but a space that can be used and enjoyed by all.”

Valerie Trotter Over the course of April, students have painted over 50 rocks which line the concrete pathway in the F-E courtyard. The pond is in the midst of construction, and the garden area will soon be blooming with wildflowers. Although the project is not yet fully completed, the team of teachers behind the project have remarked that it will

change the high school for the better. The teachers behind the project include Michelle Logue, Candace Groves, Jill Hooley, Luke Burch, Sandra Macauley, Amanda Barrett, Valerie Trotter, Heather Wegenhart, and more.

“I think we’re going to be able to really give [students] chances to ask questions and develop experiments and investigations to explore the world around them,” Heather Wegenhart, science teacher, said.

There are all kinds of activities: typically after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. In order to join for the remaining few weeks of school, students can stay after school on those days until 4:30. For Fridays, the times may differ. Science teachers have sent out information for volunteering via email and schoology.

From aspiring biologists to artists, this program is meant to encapsulate an abundance of students’ interests and hobbies. The observatory stands as a place for students to volunteer, research, relax, paint, engineer, plant, and observe. According to the teachers behind this program, the goal is to construct an inclusive space, where all students can collaborate and improve the community.

The final addition to the observatory will be a place in memoriam of someone who passed away recently. In honor of Ryanne Barcarse, Michael Barcarse and Kaia Kirkpatrick, along with some of the freshman student body, are preparing to devote a section of the observatory to her. A tree will be planted in her memory.

Student volunteers restore the greenery boxes in the F-E courtyard by discarding weeds and planting new flowers. Photo by Kate Williamson

Marietta mock trial team makes gains at state level Icy McFall Staff Writer The Mock Trial team placed 38th out of 100 teams, which is the best the team has done to date.

“This year more awards were received than ever before, along with positive commentary from the judges,” Natalie Jorges-Castellanos, English teacher and Mock Trial coach, said. She coaches the team with social studies teacher, Jacob Wachtel, and three attorneys who volunteer their time: John Alday, Bobby Johnson, Cindi Yeager.

Mock Trial is a legal competition that imitates a real courtroom trial. With two teams per school, the students, assisted by teacher and lawyer coaches, are given prompts based on either criminal or civil cases, alternating each year. Though fictitious, the cases are created with enough evidence to support both sides. Both teams have a fair chance to win, however, the team who builds the stronger argument while demonstrating proper courtroom mannerisms wins the case.

“We did multiple competitions. Two rounds were with our defense going against another school’s plaintiff and then another two rounds with our plaintiff team going against another school’s defense team,” Leila Simmons (12) said. “We did really well in all of these rounds and advanced to the mid-level rounds for the state of Georgia which is the first time our team has been able to do that in its three short years at MHS and we did pretty well there but not good enough to go to the semifinal round.”

Students are given the school year to prepare. Throughout this time, students develop and dissect their case, awaiting the competition date. The competition is the students’ chance to present their case, allowing them the opportunity to exercise the skills they have gained over the course of the year. Schools from all over the region are involved in this competition, making it a rigorous and competitive event.

The students spend the day deliberating against each other, in front of legitimate judges, as well as local attorneys volunteering as jurors. At the end of the compe

tition, those who place high enough move on to the state level.

“Everyone’s main goal is to win state which I feel confident in our chances to win next year and with the same commitment and work ethic we had this year I really like our chances,” Samuel Yang (11) said.

If students have any interest in law or would like to improve public speaking and critical thinking, Mock Trial offers practical experience and opportunity to apply and improve those skills.

The mock trial team celebrates their success with a letter sweater ceremony.

Photo courtesy of Natalie Jorges-Castellanos

News

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page 5

Marietta adapts to pandemic world A YEAR IN REVIEW Isabelle Lovejoy Staff Writer This school year has been a test of endurance and strength for Marietta students, families, staff, and administrators, as they’ve continuously battled the COVID-19 pandemic.

Superintendent Grant Rivera faced backlash after his decision to start the school year virtually due to community concerns for teachers and students and a surge of new cases. Nearly 300 parents signed a public letter disagreeing with the decision, and some threatened to legally challenge it. Others, however, couldn’t be more grateful to start the year off virtually.

“I think it was good to start the year off completely virtually due to the fact that we still did not know the true nature of COVID-19 and how it would affect children. What we did know though, was that the science did not back large gatherings and groups being together.

Knowing this, especially being in a state with exponential growth of cases and deaths, Marietta made the right decision in protecting our students and families first,” Jermaine McCann, a Marietta High School student, (11) said.

When it came time to reopen in-person school under a hybrid model, Marietta formed a close relationship with the Center for Disease Control.

Researchers from the CDC spent two months mapping positive COVID-19 cases in Marietta City Schools, helping the district establish their own system for contact tracing. A team of four was formed at Marietta High School: Jason Meade, Margarita Ojeda, Wendy Trippe, and Jeffery Hopp. This group,

and similar ones at the elementary and middle schools, ensured that the meticulous CDC contact tracing methods were followed, even after the partnership ended.

The majority of elementary schoolers came back to in-person school, leading them to have the highest transmission rate. Teachers had to reengineer their elementary classrooms to allow for as many social distancing measures as possible. High schoolers, however, were given the option to pick whether they went to school in-person on a day to day basis, which has led to the majority staying virtual. Teachers not only have the struggle of teaching hybrid, but also have to fear the disease itself, as the only alternative to teaching in-person was to take a leave of absence. The local Educators Union organized protests in the neighboring Cobb County school district after the deaths of three teachers due to COVID-19.

The CDC researchers who conducted tracing in the Marietta elementary schools found that half of the identified school-based cases began with educator to educator transmission, and then spread to students. From Nov. 9, the day MHS reopened, to May 4, 985 students and 77 staff members were close contact traced. Many of these COVID-19 cases were contracted outside of school and then spread within the building.

Despite these numbers, MCS has done everything in their power to decrease the frequency of these cases.

“During the 2021 school year, MCS and MHS have done everything possible to keep our students and staff safe. This same commitment to safety will continue next fall,” Meade said.

Marietta City Schools superintendent, Grant Rivera, directs traffic lanes during COVID-19 vaccinations at Marietta High School.

Photo by Isabelle Lovejoy

WHAT’S NEXT? Marietta remains optimistic that, thanks to vaccination efforts, schools will be able to operate under a new normal for the 2021-2022 school year. It was approved by the Marietta Board of Education on May 18 that students will still have the option to attend virtually, but it will be conducted quite differently than this year. Rather than give teachers the extra work of hybrid schooling, a separate team of teachers will be used to only teach virtual students. High schoolers will no longer be able to choose on a daily basis whether they go to school or not, but instead must commit for the whole semester. If they choose to stay virtual, limited class options will be available. Virtual students will not be able to participate in any arts courses, sports teams, or after school clubs. This

limitation has encouraged students to return to the normalcy of in-person schooling for the upcoming school year.

Parents received an intent form on March 22 to choose either virtual or in person learning for the entirety of the fall semester. As of now, approximately 300 students have opted to attend virtually, out of the 2,662 enrolled rising 9th-12th graders. However, as of May 11, children aged 12-15 are now approved to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, so many of these virtual students may switch to in-person learning once they’re vaccinated.

As for the entire district, the exact number of returning students is not publicly available. It’s predicted that the majority of MCS students will be attending in-person for the 2021-2022

VACCINATION EFFORTS After several vaccination dates spanning two months, Marietta City Schools has distributed at least 4,197 COVID-19 vaccines. A drive up vaccination site was set up at Marietta High School, with volunteers and designees from all schools and central office departments. Several lanes were used, one where cars were greeted and volunteers would verify names, photo ID, and vaccination times. Confirmed vaccine recipients were then sent to a second lane to receive their vaccine. Each car was then directed to a waiting area near the MHS bus lanes so all vaccinated persons could be monitored by medical staff for 15 minutes to ensure no allergic or adverse reactions had occurred.

MCS partnered with the Marietta Fire Department to ensure emergency personnel on site for all vaccinations. Moderna shots were first provided on March 11 and 12 to staff members over the age of 65.

Later, Pfizer vaccinations became available to MCS staff and their families.

On March 25, Governor Kemp announced that all Georgians 16 and older were eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

“We believe that every family deserves safe and convenient access to the COVID19 vaccine. Additionally, we recognize that our schools will be safer as more

interested students and families are vaccinated. To that end, in collaboration with Poole’s Pharmacy, we are offering vaccinations for MHS students and their parents or legal guardians on Friday, April 16,” Rivera said.

In order for parents to make an informed decision, MCS hosted a virtual town hall with experts from Cobb & Douglas Public Health, to allow families to engage with medical experts on vaccine efficiency and safe-

ty and create a forum for questions and answers. Marietta’s substantial vaccination efforts are ensuring a safe return to in-person school for the 2021-2022 school year.

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School News

Academic Scholarship Recipients

page 6

Lillian Salter and Nina Clark Business Manager and Staff Writer

Annelise Lloyd is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, an honor only awarded to those of high academic prowess.

“The National Merit Scholarship is based on PSAT scores from junior year; basically if you score really high on the PSAT, you can qualify as a semi-finalist. If you apply and are selected as a finalist, you can earn money from the corporation, a number of corporate sponsors, or the university you attend,” Lloyd said.

According to Lloyd, the preparation process was extensive.

Hours went into studying for the PSAT test, and the application process itself lasted several months.

“For the application, I had to take the test in October of my junior year, then wait to see if I would be a semifinalist. From there, I had to enter basic information as well as complete an essay. Then it was just more waiting until they announced the finalists!” Lloyd said.

Lloyd was overjoyed to discover that her hard work had paid off. Not only does this award symbolize Lloyd’s academic achievements, but it also provides her financial compensation for any college of her choice.

“I chose to attend Georgia Tech for college to study Computational Media. Tech has a really good program for this major, and I also visited campus and really liked it,” Lloyd said.

Faith Kumi is a recipient of the Ron Brown Scholarship, a prestigious honor specifically designed to recognize african american students of high merit and academic prowess.

“The Ron Brown Scholarship is a national scholarship that provides 40k over the course of four years for African Americans students,” Faith Kumi said.

Kumi had heard about the scholarship through a family friend, and made the decision to apply. According to Kumi, the application process was extensive and demanding.

“At first, I had to write a 500 word essay, then submit an essay I submitted for my college applocations. When they notified me that I was a semifinalist I had to write two more 500 word essays. Finally, as a finalist, I had to write a short biography, and then have an interview,” Kumi said.

Upon hearing of her success, Kumi couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.

“I was super ecstatic. I didn’t expect to hear back so early, so I thought I’d get rejected.

But when the CEO of the program personally told me he had exciting news for me, honestly I got very teary eyed,” Kumi said.

In the fall of 2021, Kumi plans on attending the University of Chicago in Illinois.

“I plan on attending the University of Chicago. It is ranked as one of the top best institutions in the world, and I believe that it will prepare me greatly to become an attorney,” Kumi said.

Savannah Hernandez is a recipient of The Foundation Fellowship and Bernard Ramsey Honors Scholarship. Considering the prestige of this honor, the application process was extensive and rigorous.

“For the initial stage of applying for the scholarship, you are asked to submit a resume, letters of recommendation, essays, and record a 1-2 minute video. From there, the university chose a pool of about 50 students as finalists. All of the finalists were offered the Bernard Ramsey Scholarship if we participated in the finalist weekend. Afterwards, we took part in an individual interview,” Savannah Hernandez (12) said.

Upon learning she received the scholarships, Hernandez was ecstatic for all of the opportunities granted.

“I was over-the-moon excited. It was amazing seeing how my hard work paid off. It’s also really nice knowing that my parents won’t have to pay for my college. I’m so happy that I am able to do that for them,” Hernandez said.

Savannah Hernandez plans to attend the University of Georgia as a Foundation Fellow, as opposed to the University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt, where she also recieved full scholarship offers.

“There is so much opportunity there. I’m really excited for the next chapter and being able to take part in all the things the scholarship has to offer,” Hernandez said.

Naomi Beyene is a recipient of both the Presidential Scholarship and the Gross Scholarship, both of which in combination provide her a full tuition to the University of Southern California.

“I didn’t apply for the scholarship, both were merit based and I was selected for them based on my application. I just did my common application and submitted it to USC. I was notified in February that I was admitted to USC and I was also a finalist for a merit scholarship. I did an interview a few weeks later and then I found out which scholarship I got at the end of March,” Naomi Beyene said.

Upon hearing the news of her success, Beyene was overjoyed to see her hard work come to fruition.

“I was beyond happy, USC has always been my dream school and to be selected for such a big scholarship meant so much to me,” Beyene said.

Beyene is choosing to attend the University of Southern California in the fall of 2021 over the University of California Los Angeles.

“I am going to the University of Southern California. I am going because the school has pretty much everything I am looking for: great academic program, perfect sized classrooms, huge alumni network, and a lot of school spirit,” Beyene said.

Mr. and Ms. MHS: Emanuel Lopez and Zoe Adams Rebekah Bradbury Section Editor During the senior assembly, eight seniors were introduced as this year’s candidates for Mr. and Ms. MHS. This award aims to honor two seniors, male and female, who best represent their school and community.

The four female nominees included Zoe Adams, Kendall Gazaway, Savannah Hernandez, and Maritza Lopez, while the four male nominees included Avery Barcarse, Harrison (King) Hastings, Hayden Hicks, and Emanuel Lopez-Gallegos. Each of the chosen nominees demonstrate Blue Devil pride and have a strong dedication to their school and community. Ultimately, Emanuel Lopez-Gallegos and Zoe Adams were crowned Mr. and Miss MHS. “To be Mr. MHS is not just to be a student at Marietta High School, but to be someone who seeks to revolutionize it, not just for students now but for years to come” Lopez-Gallegos (12) said.

Throughout high school, Emanuel has remained an integral and involved student in the Marietta community and has received many accomplishments.

His involvement includes being a cheerleader on the Marietta cheer team, as well as cheering competitively.

Additionally, he started the Best Buddies Advocates Club, a club geared toward helping and participating in activities with MHS special needs students. He has also served on student council as class president, and is currently student body president.

His personality, presence, and achievements have impacted so many at MHS. “I am an openly gay student, so I believe I have and can continue to impact individuals who may be afraid to, or may not be ready to come out and express who they really are,” Lopez-Gallegos (12) said.

Emanuel plans to attend Duke University and study Neuroscience with the aim of becoming a doctor or a plastic surgeon.

“I would like to do research and help people with disabilities across the nations or become a plastic surgeon, I believe everyone has a right to love themselves and their appearance and that confidence is key to making a good leader/person,” Lopez-Gallegos said.

Being Mr. MHS is simply one of Emanuel’s many achievements, earned through hard work, and determination. “[To any students hoping to hold the same title], Nothing is impossible, as long as you stick to what you truly believe

in. Be the change you want to see in the community,” Lopez-Gallegos said.

Alongside Lopez-Gallegos, Zoe Adams was named Miss MHS for the class of 2021. Adams is an accomplished athlete in both softball, track and field, and was a part of the inaugural MHS flag football team. Additionally, she is a member of Black Girls United and STARS. Her accomplishments include, 1st Team All County (Softball 2019), Region 3-7A Player of the Year (Softball 2019), 1st Team All Region Infielder (Softball 2019), Lady Blue Devil Award (Softball 2018 and 2020), Offensive MVP (Softball 2019), New Comer of the Year (Track and Field 2018), MVP (Softball 2018), and Scholar Athlete (2019-2020).

Many memories and accomplishments have been made through her athletic career.

“My favorite memory would be when we (the track team) won state and the whole way back to the school we were singing songs at the top of our lungs,” Adams (12) said.

Zoe plans to attend Claflin University to pursue her softball career and study to go into the medical field.

“My career goal is to be a pediatric dermatologist, through this I intend to give back to my community by helping people with their skin,” Adams (12) said.

Photos by Ella Chesney

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JROTC seniors plan to serve in Armed Forces Izabella Sara Staff Writer Deciding to join the Armed Forces is a noble choice, and those who decided to enlist should be highlighted for their sacrifice and dedication to serving the United States of America. Here at Marietta, there are numerous seniors who have sworn to serve and protect our country.

“I decided to join the military in the future because I like the sense of family that was established. Therefore, I want to be able to create that same environment for myself as I pursue my future interest which was influenced by my experience in the GA-20021 AFJROTC program,” Chiamaka Nwigwe (12) said.

The military is providing its members with benefits that will last a lifetime, and give its soldiers opportunities to go into a vast range of career fields. Whether it be through

participation in a JROTC program or through other enticing factors of the armed forces, everyone has a different reason to enlist.

“I joined the Army National Guard...because I got more benefits from it. You get state benefits as well as federal benefits and depending on what you decide you want to get, you can get paid to go to college,” Kevin Williams (12) said.

The military provides tuition assistance, as well as other benefits, to its members so they can progress in their career in the military and into the private sector, if they wish to venture outside of the Armed Forces. In fact, most of the future soldiers at Marietta High School will be attending university before or during their service.

“I’ll be going to Georgia Southern next year... I’ve always just seen myself serving my country since I was a child. I’ve gone back and forth on what I wanted to do in

the military but I always knew I wanted to help people.

I will be commissioning into the Army after I finish my education and I aspire to be an Army physician,” Hayden Hicks (12) said.

Despite the military’s mission being centered around defense, many American service members are not directly involved with combat or weapons on a day to day basis, although all are trained for war time if it were to come.

Because of this, there is a broad range of career fields that attract people who have different career aspirations and goals for what to get out of the military.

“I’m going to Chattahoochee Tech for film and video production. I want to do something with entertainment or maybe the music industry,” Joshua Pitts (12) said.

No matter the branch or career field Marietta’s future soldiers have chosen, it is important to recognize their contribution and sacrifice to the United States.

Future Soldiers Elijah Cobb, Air Force Anise Bonilla, Air Force Maritza Lopez, Air Force Chiamaka Nwigwe, Air Force Bryon Poree, Air Force

Kevin Williams, Army National Guard Joshua Pitts, Army National Guard Cameron Steers, Army National Guard Joshua Pitts, Army National Guard

Izabella Sara, Air Force Reserves

Samuel Dreus, US Navy

Hayden Hicks, Army

Leonardo Hinojo, Marine Corps

Joshua Pitts swearing into the Army National Guard.

ROTC Scholarship Recipients Lillian Salter Business Manager

Anise Bonilla, AFROTC & Air Force

Maritza Lopez, AFROTC & Air Force

Anise Bonilla and Maritza Lopez are the two Marietta recipients of the AFJROTC J-100 Character-in-Leadership Scholarship, an honor that fit their interests and aspirations perfectly.

“I decided to apply because I’ve been interested in the military since I entered high school,” Anise Bonilla said.

“Becoming an officer in the United States Air Force was always my plan. This scholarship gives me the opportunity to attend college without having to worry about my financial situation and it allows me to join the AirForce,” Maritza Lopez said.

As is customary of such a high honor, the application process was extensive and demanding.

“The scholarship required us to write an essay, submit PT scores, submit Transcript, submit information on the extracurricular activities we were involved in.

Out of everyone who applied, they chose 175 cadets to move on to phase two. Phase two was the interview. In the end, there were only 100 recipients,” Lopez said.

In honor of their hard work, Lieutenant Colonel Wilson surprised both Anise and Maritza with the news of

Questbridge Scholars Lillian Salter Business Manager

Abu Hoque, Christian Castillo Lagos, and Michael Muñoz-Moreno

their acceptance.

“We were informed through a zoom call we believed to be about an important matter. Our instructor, Lieutenant Colonel Wilson then informed us that only one of us received it, but then revealed we both received it.

We were very excited and grateful to have received his amazing opportunity,” Bonilla said.

After receiving the scholarship, both Bonilla and Lopez plan on attending Colorado State University, albeit for somewhat different reasons.

“I plan on attending Colorado State University since they have the #1 ROTC detachment program in the United States, and have many resources available for their students. They also have great dorms and clubs that students can join,” Bonilla said.

“I’ve decided to attend Colorado State University because of their highly ranked AFROTC program.

After winning the Prestigious Right of Line Award, it was recognized as the best in the nation. They are also offering me $10,000 annually to attend their college,” Lopez said.

What is Questbridge?

Questbridge is a scholarship program that honors students of high academic prowess. Applicants rank their top 12 schools, and those colleges will rank students based on desireability. Students that “match” with their top college are granted a full four-year tuition at that university.

Abu Hoque

Christian Castillo Lagos

Michael Muñoz-Moreno

“I applied to Questbridge because it offers a great network for first-generation, low-income students. Questbridge offers students with unimaginable opportunities and with my scholarship, I will be able to attend a world class university at absolutely zero cost. Through Questbridge, I am attending Northwestern University to study Economics and Organizational Change.”

I applied to QuestBridge because I like to “do what excites!”

This means taking a chance even when you think you can’t make it. Thankfully, it is able to cover the financial struggle that the college process brings. I cannot be more grateful. I will be attending the University of Southern California because of its diversity and it will allow me to achieve my dream of becoming a content creator in the future.

“I decided to apply through Questbridge because of its functionality with my situation.

Questbridge’s mission to give low income students a chance to apply to major schools without financial worries. I heard about Questbridge a couple times so I decided to shoot my shot at an amazing chance. Questbridge was a godsend, and thanks to God I was able to finish the race.

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PrinciPAL Ball wins Georgia Secondary School Principal of the Year, advances to national competition Alexandra Audrain Section Editor The Georgia Association of Secondary Schools Principals (GASSP) named Keith Ball, principal of Marietta High School, the 2021 Principal of the Year. This award recognizes individuals who have served as a Principal for at least three consecutive years and models outstanding character and the values of their school.

GASSP announced the award on Feb. 10. Ball’s family and MHS staff came together to surprise him with the award during a virtual faculty meeting, and his family was invited to a small celebration in J-Hall.

Ball spoke about what the award meant to him, saying he felt, “undeserving, very humbled, and very unprepared.” While he may have felt undeserving, some of his

staff members felt that the award was completely earned and expected.

“If you’ve ever seen Mr. Ball interact with the students at this school, then you totally understand why he is a princiPAL. His first priority is always the students and with that, his staff plays a huge role. I am really proud to work for Mr. Ball and I believe his mission and vision for this school is going to lead us to many more great things,” Melissa Paurowski, a math teacher at Marietta who has worked for Ball at two different high schools, said.

Osamede Ogbomo, a Marietta High School senior and student council president of her class, also spoke to the relationships Ball forms with his students and staff.

“Despite his numerous responsibilities, Mr. Ball is always present. If he is with you, he gives you 100% of his attention.

He looks you directly in the eyes. He

makes you feel seen and heard. He makes personal relationships with students and staff by making them feel comfortable around him. He’s not just a principal, he’s genuinely our friend,” Ogbomo said.

After winning the Georgia Principal of the Year award, Ball has had opportunities to speak to future educators about his experience and how the pandemic and current social and political climate has impacted the field.

“I served on a KSU panel for new teachers to tell them what the world of teaching is like in general and then what the world of teaching is like in a pandemic and social unrest… What I tell them is that oftentimes it is a mess. None of this, again, is this picture perfect model or everyday I glide through the day and it’s fine. It is an exhausting endeavor that I would not trade for anything,” Ball said.

Ball will now move on to the next level of the competition, the National Principal of the Year award. The application for this award includes further interviews and statements from Ball, in addition to recommendations from students, parents, teachers, and the superintendent. Despite the continued recognition, Ball remains dedicated to demonstrating authentic leadership.

“I’m the most imperfect principal and person you’ve ever met, but I’m also willing to show you that and hopefully people see it. I can’t put on a show, what you see is what you get. Whether I’m falling down the steps or whatever it is that we try to do, I can’t hide humanity behind a title, so I’m no different than anybody else. I just happen to be in charge, and I’m willing to work for you guys until I pass out.”

Cartoon by Kate Williamson

Star Student and Teacher:

Abby Creyts and Ms. Manwell Danielle Ho Staff Writer The star student award recognizes a senior in each high school with the highest SAT score and is in the top ten percent of their class. Since 1958, more than 25,000 students have been rewarded this prize.

Star students also have the honor to choose a teacher who has made a significant contribution to the student’s scholastic development and achievements.

Abby Creyts is the class of 2021’s star student and she credits her nomination to all the educators who helped support her educational and intellectual pursuits.

“I wasn’t really expecting to get the star student award. There are so many talented and smart people at Marietta that I wasn’t really aware that I would get it,” said Creyts, “I’m also thankful for the friends, family, and staff that helped me on this journey.”

Abby Creyts is a full IB diploma student taking the most rigorous courses offered at Marietta. She attributes her diligence to the curriculum and the instructors behind it.

She also was able to explore her creative side during her four years.

“My favorite part of attending Marietta is definitely the arts program and the fact that we do a lot to show off the arts at Marietta,” Creyts said.

Abby exemplified how a successful student is well-balanced as she participated in both theatre and drawing/painting. She learned how to communicate in literary manners but also practiced communicat-

ing through art. Alongside her studies, the arts permitted Abby to be a holistic scholar.

Abby plans on attending the Georgia Institute of Technology to study physics so she can pursue research and become a physicist.

Abby chose Ms. Manwell as the educator that has greatly contributed to her success. She admired Ms. Manwell’s characteristic teaching and how they were able to have meaningful conversations. “[Ms. Manwell] has always been there for me; she took the time to sit down and help me even if it was for a different class.

She also supported my interest and let me explore them within the context of Theory of Knowledge (TOK),” Creyts said.

This is the first time Ms. Manwell has received this award and the way in which this news was announced to her was special. Mr. Ball arranged for her family to be on the Zoom where Abby and Ms. Manwell was surprised.

“I was completely taken aback. The best part is that my 83 year old mom happened to be in town, so she was able to participate. If she had been at home in Michigan, there would be no way that she would have figured out Zoom on her own in order to be there!,” said Ms. Manwell.

She has spent a majority of her 12 years at Marietta teaching IB Theory of Knowledge and history and is now working as the IB coordinator. Ms. Manwell is known to always put the students’ interests and needs first.

“My mantra as the IB coordinator is: “My goal is to help you reach your goals.”

This means, as a teacher, helping students build good skills for the future; and as a coordinator, it means listening to students and parents,” said Ms. Manwell.

She engages her students in reflective thinking in all subject areas, allowing her to see what the student is lacking or achieving in context to the material. Her extensive work as the Extended Essay supervisor and TOK teacher prepared her for her role as the esteemed IB coordinator.

Ms. Manwell says the best part of her work is seeing her students thrive and be able to create a symbiotic teacher-student relationship where both are able to learn and be a part of each other’s life- even if it’s just for a short while.

“Abby is such a spectacular and unique student. It’s rare to encounter a student who has such reflective thinking in so many diverse areas of interest. Abby can marry ideas from art and science effortlessly, and make that connection through a philosophical idea that even I, with a degree in philosophy, might have to look up. She’s a thinker’s thinker, and I love that. I consider it a great distinction that our names will keep each other company in the rotunda for next several decades. It is undoubtedly one of the major highlights of my career.

Thank you, Abby, for the honor,” said Ms. Manwell.

Star Student and Star Teacher, Abby Creyts (12) and Barbara Manwell, hold the engraved star that was added to the ring of honor in the rotunda, honoring past students and teachers who have earned the recognition.

Photo by Andrea Lyons

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Boys and Girls Golf Team Region Tournament Recap Kendall Gazaway Section Editor The boys and girls golf team traveled to Monroe, Georgia to compete in the region championship. The girls team placed last in the region, but made big strides over the course of the season. The girls team is very young and had many new players this season on both JV and Varsity.

The boys’ team placed first overall in the region. This team is filled with golfers that have played for a long time.

The ending area tournament stats looked better than they did in prior seasons. Grant

Phillips (10) and William Smart (11) both shot a 76, Nate Montague (12) shot a 78, Matthew Castaldo (12) shot a 91, Clay Doyle (12) shot an 86, and Tucker Williams (11) shot an 81.

“It was a very exciting win, We beat out multiple historically golf powerhouse schools. This is the first time the golf team has qualified for state as a team in decades,” Tucker Williams (11)said.

Although they are losing three seniors this year, the boys team still has many key players that will be returning next year. The boys play in the state tournament on Friday (change to date).

Boys golf team with the region championship trophy in Monroe, Georgia.

William Smart- 11th Grade How many seasons have you played?

I have been playing since freshman year, so I am in my 3rd season.

Why did you choose to play golf?

I chose to play golf because golf has always been a big part of my life and my entire family has always played.

What were some of the accomplishments this season?

A big accomplishment I saw during the 2021 golf season was playing in the annual region meet and placing first. This is the first time that the boys golf team has made it to state while I have been a part of the team.

What are some positives of playing golf?

For me, golf is a new difficult challenge and I really enjoy finding new ways to get better and to improve.

What have you learned playing golf?

All of my teammates help me get better. We are all very supportive and push each other to work hard. Mac Thompson really made me a better player and taught me a lot my freshman year.

Photo Courtesy of Rob Williams

Claire Hennessey- 10th Grade How many seasons have you played?

This is my first season playing golf.

I wanted to try a new sport.

Why did you choose to play golf?

I chose to play golf because it has always been a sport that has interested me and I have heard my grandparents and parents talk about playing.

What were some of the accomplishments this season?

My biggest accomplishmet was when I finally got the hang of it and moved to play in the number one spot.

What are some positives of playing golf?

I have developed many friendships on the team this year and my teammates and coach push me every practice to be the best player I can be.

What have you learned playing golf?

Golf has taught me to be patient. I have always played sports that require a lot of communication and urgency. Golf has taught me to relax. It is a very mental game just like other sports, but I have become independent and learned mental toughness.

Girls tennis advances to Elite 8, boys fight on Julia DePasquale Section Editor The varsity girls tennis finished fourth in the region, helping them to qualify for the state tournament and progress to the Elite 8.

“I think the team goal is to better ourselves and just put up our best fight against all the other teams,” Isabel Linares (11) said.

The team is young and new. In fact, the lineup for varsity features a freshman playing line one singles.

“As a freshman, I’m very excited to make varsity and be a part of the team. I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to play this position. I’ve learned a lot being able to play against good players at other schools,” Carolina Hanson (9) said.

Having a young team has had its pros and cons according to varsity coach Caroline Brashier.

“Most of the girls are new to varsity. If they played last year, the season was cut short due to COVID. We did not have lots of match experience, but we have done a fantastic job adjusting and learning on the fly,” Coach Braisher said.

The team has had to stay flexible throughout the season in order to grow as a team and be successful.

“We have lots of players who can play different positions. This has been key during the season. We have changed lineups and have hardly played the same lineup more than once... It doesn’t matter who is asked to step up, everyone is able to do so,” Coach Brashier said.

Older players on the team have also been crucial in helping to support the new players, and insure the team’s success.

“Being a senior on the team is so bittersweet because these people are like my second family, and I never want to stop playing with them,” Andrea Carmona (12) said.

Isabel Linares (11) pulls back her racket awaiting the ball. Linares plays double with fellow junior Emily Owens. Photo by Julia DePasquale

The boys team this year went 6-6. Although not qualifying for the state tournament, they had a successful season.

“All players on the team were very committed to practicing and improving their game this season. I was impressed by their dedication to attending every practice and openness to learn,” Coach Morrison said.

This season was about building a team from a less experienced yet hardworking group of flexible players.

“We learned a lot. We had a few close matches where we fought hard and were able to win, which was exciting. Every player gave their all in every match and I was proud to see how well the less experienced players did against some of the more experienced players in our region,” Coach Morrision said.

Captain Forrest Krivskey (11) reflects on why he enjoys playing tennis and representing Marietta.

“The thing I like most about tennis is the difficulty of it. A lot of people think all it is is hitting a ball over a net, but there are a bunch of different shots and different strategies to use,” Krivskey said.

Other players agree with Krivsky. Tennis is a difficult sport, requiring hard work and concentration.

“My favorite part is the mental game you have to put into the sport while trying to get into your opponent’s head while trying to keep yours clean,” Justin Hirologo said.

The team is excited for future seasons because they feel as though this year’s group is special.

“I love the bond we all share with the love of the sport which allows us to have lots of fun while playing,” Hirioglo said.

Girls celebrate as they advance from the state sweet sixteen to be elite eight bound. Photo Courtesy of Jordan Chapman

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Young soccer teams rebuild Etinosa Ogbomo Staff Writer The boys’ soccer team concluded their season with a 6-8-2 record overall, and a 3-7 record within the region. While the season started relatively normally, COVID-19 soon began to affect the team on multiple fronts.

“Reflecting on the season, it was not the result we should have gotten,” Ben Vigdorov (11) said. “The season was different because some players couldn’t play due to close contact quarantining.”

Varsity Head Coach Brandon Land felt the season was particularly difficult from a coaching perspective.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say this year was different and more difficult than any other I’ve coached or played in. Some days were harder than others to find encouragement by the end of it all,” Land said. “I think we had really strong pieces on the team but putting it all together was challenging at times.”

Additionally, injuries and the loss of key players forced the team to adjust to new challenges.

“A couple of key seniors graduated [last year]. As a result, more players had to learn to play in different positions. Also, I would say the hardest part of the season was when we had three injuries in a match against Hillgrove,” Akinni James (12) said.

Coach Brandon Land looks optimistically toward the next season.

“I hope next year the core chemistry of

the team is stronger and they really start to gel. Even though the boys faced a tough season, they fought through each game with optimism and resilience,” Brandon Land said.

Sebastian Barrera (12) learned a lot this season, and was able to leave the team with some valuable life lessons.

“My takeaway from the season is that there is always going to be adversity, but the outcome is determined by how tough you are,” Barrera said.

The girls’ soccer team concluded their season with a 5-12 record overall and a 1-7 record in the region. While the girls fought tirelessly to win games, they faced unyielding adversity. In addition to a tough region, the girls had to tackle a unique struggle: the lack of upperclassmen paired with COVID19 restrictions. The team had to stay flexible throughout the season as they adjusted to a new normal.

“What was different about this season was that we were pretty much a brand new team,” Maelyn Moore (10) said. “We lost a lot of seniors last year, but we did get a bunch of new talented players this year and like any sport, team bonding takes time.”

Moore said.

Varsity Head Coach Thomas Buresi adds that much of the team was comprised of freshman.

“This year, we had a lot of freshmen playing. There was a good group of young players, and I think we have a very bright future. In the next three to four years, we’re going to be quite good,” Thomas Buresi said.

Emily Callahan (11) noted that the influx of new players shifted the team’s dynamic, but as the season progressed, they started to connect better as a team.

“We started off the season pretty rough, but throughout the season we started getting better and we were able to bond which also helped us improve,” Callahan said.

Buresi expressed hope and excitement for the future of the team.

“The girls played very well together this season. Hopefully we can get the girls to play club soccer during the school year so that they’re ready to play next season,” Buresi said.

Emily Callahan (11) wins the ball with a strong tackle. Callahan and teammate Alizée Buresi (11) received honorable mentions for the region team.

Photo by Etinosa Ogbomo

Lacrosse teams face new challenges

Joshua Beyene Staff Writer

The Lady Blue Devils Lacrosse team ended their regular season 8-8, and went 4-4 in region. Alas, the girls did not qualify for region with this record, as they lost their qualifying game to Pope High School. The Ladies were led by Coach Macleod this Spring, who will be retiring next season.

“The highlight of this season was a come-from- behind victory over Woodstock. We started the second half down by several goals but played hard and with integrity to recover and win the game 9-8,” Coach Macleod said.

COVID-19 greatly affected the girls season, as they were forced to quarantine when one player obtained COVID-19.

“We didn’t get to work on plays early on in the season and after quarantine we were really rusty since we hadn’t played in 2 weeks, so the games we played when we got back didn’t go too well” Mary Katherine Gordon (10) said.

Though the season was difficult due to COVID-19, this did not stop the girls from enjoying their season together. For nine of them, it was their last.

“My last season of lacrosse was really rewarding. I feel like the team really connected on another level this year and it was a great season to go out on.” Bella Peck (12) said.

They finished the last non-region game against Walker High School, finishing off their season with an 8-18 loss.

Captain Caroline Owen (10) felt that she learned a lot from this season. Owen felt that from the lessons that she was taught this year, she will be able to transfer over to the next season.

“I learned so much this season but one of the main things that I will take with me into next season is communication.

My coaches have been stressing the importance of communication but it didn’t hit me until this year just how important it is. Teams that communicate win more games and I think that shows in our differences between our record this year and our record last year.” Owen said.

Freshman Brooke Kelly (9) received a big award, as she got picked to play for the Georgia Team 1 National Team to play in a tournament.

“It was shocking because there were a lot of people that tried out and I was one of the youngest ones that were chosen. Usually teams pick older girls to play, but I’m extremely excited to play,” Kelly said.

The boys lacrosse team concluded the season with their record ending 3-13 in all games and 2-6 in region. They faced count-

less injuries, causing Blue Devil Coach, Joe Connaughton, to be quick on his feet.

“Injuries hit us pretty hard, we had two ACL tears and a lot of other guys going out for different reasons. Even with that, I feel we had a pretty good season, but it would definitely have helped to have our full team out there,” Connaughton said.

Some players on the squad got minor injuries that left them out for just a couple days.

“I dealt with injuries all year and it made everything a bit harder but they were usually just minor so I could play through them.” James Macpherson (12) said.

Other players faced more extreme injuries and were out for the majority of their season.

“Not being able to finish the season was a tough experience. I wish I could have been there to fight for the win with my teammates. I was proud of the way my teammates fought, and I was very quick to let them know. This injury made me want to get back on the field more than ever before.” Ethan Payne (10) said.

The boys wrapped up their season in one final game against Mount Paran, where they lost 6-12.

“The Mount Paran game was a tough one because we had three out of four leading offensive players out with injuries. We tried our best but our limited roster ended up getting the best of us,” Macpherson said.

COVID-19 did not largely affect the Varsity boys’, with no outbreaks in their squad. The JV boys were not as lucky, being forced to end their season early due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

“It was very sad because we put a lot of work into the season only to have it cut short,” Liam Smith (10) said.

The lacrosse season always brings lots of memories for the boys playing.

“I would say my fondest memory is being able to bond with my teammates and overcome adversity,” Allen Gruehn (11) said.

As the Marietta lacrosse boys lead into their next season, they will be losing 5 of their influential seniors.

Connaughton believes that they needed this season to build team chemistry and get more touches on the ball.

“I think I learned a lot, I think the team learned a lot. I’d say we built a rapport and everyone understands each other and carrying this into next season is gonna make it a lot easier going forward.” Connaughton said.

The boys intend on starting back during their fall ball season being able to take the lessons from this spring into the next year.

Allen Gruehn (11) races to scoop the ball.

Gruehn won team Defensive Player of the Year. Photo courtesy of Meg Robinson

Brooke Kelly (9) fights her way down the feild. The freshman was picked to play on the Georgia Team 1 National Team.

Photo by Ella Chesney

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page 12

Track captures region titles for three-peat Both teams continued their region winning streak and many advanced to sectionals. The boys finished second in the state and girls finished sixth.

To keep with the trends of threes, here are results from the last three meets recognizing the top finishers first through third.

REGIONALS 4x800 Meter Relay Marietta Girls 1st High Jump Olabisi Ojulari 3rd Triple Jump Kennedy Colbert 1st Olabisi Ojulari 2nd Shot Put Amarie Senior 3rd 200m Dash Zoe Adams 3rd 400m Dash Zoe Adams 2nd

800m Run Kennedy Morris 2nd 100m Hurdle Karolina Colon 1st Mary Herman 3rd 300m Hurdle Karolina Colon 1st Long Jump Zoe Adams 2nd Discus Alayna Abrams 2nd Malaika Theophile 3rd

4x100m Relay Marietta Girls 3rd 4x400m Relay Marietta Girls 1st 1600 Meter Run Kamari Miller 2nd Jared Fortenberry 3rd 4x800 Meter Relay Marietta Boys 2nd Long Jump Isaiah Sanders 3rd

Discus Max Herman 1st Kobryn Elliot 2nd 400m Dash Malachi Sanders 2nd Zuri Johnson 3rd 3200m Run Kamari Miller 1st Jared Fortenberry 3rd 110m Hurdles Joshua Pitts 1st Adrien Jefferson 2nd

SECTIONALS 100m Dash McKenzie Walker 1st 100m Hurdle Karolina Colon 3rd Boys 4x400m Relay 2nd Adrien Jefferson Zuri Johnson Isaiah Sanders Malachi Sanders

Girls 4x800m Relay 1st Kennedy Morris Betsy Gordon Gabi Comsudes Lillie Murrell Long Jump Zoe Adams 2nd 1600m Run Kamari Miller 2nd 3200m Run Kamari Miller 2nd

300m Hurdle Adrien Jefferson 1st Joshua Pitts 2nd 4x100m Relay Marietta Boys 3rd 4x400m Relay Marietta Boys 1st Triple Jump Boubacar Ndome 2nd Teshawn Middlebrooks 3rd Shot put Marice Brown 1st

STATE Boys 4x800m Relay 2nd Jack Baltz Cade Mayfield Hynes Doyle Kamari Miller Discus Max Herman 3rd Shot Put Marice Brown 2nd

From hurdles to relays, the girls garnered individual and team points for a region win.

Photos by Antwan Williams

1600m Run Kamari Miller 2nd 3200m Run Kamari Miller 2nd 100m Hurdle Joshua Pitts 3rd Discus Max Herman 1st Triple Jump Boubacar Ndome 3rd 100 Meter Dash McKenzie Walker 2nd

400m run Zoe Adams 3rd Girls 4x400m Relay 3rd Zoe Adams Danielle Isom Akhalia Makenna Kennedy Morris Girls 4x800m Relay 2nd Betsy Gordon Brooklyn McVicker Macie Pfeuffer Kennedy Morris

The teams hoist the trophy for a pile-on picture for a third year after winning the 3-7A GHSA regional meet.

KAMARI MILLER: Boys Cross Country Gatorade Player of the Year Kamari Miller (12) was named Gatorade Georgia Boys Cross Crountry Runner of the Year. He placed first in the 7A state championship cross country meet with a time of 15.29.72.

Gatorade highlights include Kamari breaking course records on four racecourses and clocking his personal best at 14.37.19 at the Running Lane National Cross Country Championship, which earned him First Team All-American.

“Up until this point, what led me here was definitely my hard work and my consistency of wanting to be the best,” Miller said. “This year’s cross country season was mesmerizing as I won my first state championship, and I got to complete a lot of goals I set for myself,” Miller said.

Next year, he will be running at Syracuse Univeristy, hoping to continue his success through hard work and continuing to make Marietta proud.

Triumphant, Kamari Miller (12) crosses the finish line after winning the 3200 meter run at the 3-7AAAAAAA GHSA regional meet.

Photo by Antwan Williams

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page 13

Baseball finishes season, competitive new opponents Ella Chesney Staff Writer The MHS baseball season started on Feb. 15 with a 3-5 loss against Campbell High School. Despite the initial loss, Coach Phillip Rogers was optimistic for the rest of the season.

On Mar. 9, the team had a 10-3 record or a .77 percent win rate. Rogers said he could not remember a time when the team had started off so well.

The team won six consecutive games against Campbell, South Cobb, Kennesaw Mountain, Sprayberry, Cook, Oglethorpe County. This was their longest winning streak in more than 10 years.

Their wins against Sprayberry, Cook, and Oglethorpe County in February won

them the 2021 Harry Lloyd Division of the Georgia Dugout Club Tournament.

The Georgia Dugout Club is an organization created for high school coaches and players. Harry Lloyd was a Westminster baseball coach and one of the organization’s founding members.

In their 4-1 win against Sprayberry, Maston Corn (11) scored two runs, and Andy Waters (9) and Phoenix Nelson (11) each scored one run.

Charlie Bagwell (11) had 4 putouts.

Put outs are given to a player when he is responsible for an out.

MHS did especially well against Cook, with an 8-1 score. Anthonie Rodriguez (12) pitched all seven innings. Rodriguez had two hits against, one resulting in a run, and struck out 6 of 25 batters. He had an earned run

average (ERA) of 1.000. ERA is the average runs a pitcher allows per seven innings; a lower ERA is better.

They defeated Ogelthorpe 14-9.

The team’s fielding percentage for the game was .806. Nick Mosgovoy (12) had 13 putouts and 0 errors. The team had an on base percentage of .583 and 13 stolen bases.

The season ended with a five game losing streak against highly-ranked teams in the new region. Their final win percentage was .38 percent, 1118. The team batting average was .256, their ERA was 3.56, and they stole 54 bases. They are ranked in the top 32 percent, number 155, of teams in the state according to Maxpreps.

River Riggs (12) pitches during the Apr. 15 game against Walton, a new opponent. Riggs has a 1.07 ERA. Photo by Ella Chesney

Passing the bat Q&A with the past and future of MHS baseball Andy Waters (9)

CJ Gordon (12)

How do you feel about this season?

I feel that we made good improvements this year and the team started blending well together.

What do you think about the last three seasons?

The last three seasons have been a good progression. Four years ago, we weren’t that great but the last three seasons have been getting better.

How do you feel about the next three?

I know expectations will be very high for next year with a solid group of juniors coming back, the two after that will be development years because we will have a very young team starting in 2023.

How do you feel about this season?

This year went well at first. We hit a few rough spots which hurt us but overall we’re moving in the right direction.

Photos courtesy of Johnny Walker

Continued from “Basketball” pg. 1 “During the game, my staff and I were extra aware of reminding our team of what we need to do, both as a team and as individuals. Even being down 11-4 during the first quarter.

We informed the girls that there was a lot of game left to play.

If you review the game, you will see Coach Carmichael flash play calls that we printed for the girls to see since it was hard for them to hear us from the sideline,” DeWitt said.

While the girls received constant encouragement from the sidelines, a few key plays were made by freshman and seniors alike. Life-long Blue Devil and freshman, Frances Storey, took a huge charge in the first half that altered the course of the second quarter. While the newcomer stand-out freshman Kayla Day made a huge 3-pointer in the second half for her team. Senior Ajia Smith got a major offensive rebound, and Tresha Gorman grabbed two amazing rebounds in the fourth quarter.

Lauren Walker’s 19 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 blocks contributed to the team’s win. Point guard Chloe Sterling finished with 10 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Sophomore Makayah Harris got going with a 3 pointer in the second quarter and finished with 7 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals. Sophomore Loren Nelson added to the team’s numbers with 7 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 1 charge.

Kayla Day had 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.

“Winning the state championship was such an amazing experience. It has always been a goal of mine, and it still feels surreal. It is a moment that I will never forget. It was the best way to end my high school basketball career,” Lauren Walker (12) said.

Marietta records were set this season by Chloe Sterling who is Marietta’s new record holder with 121 assists in a season.

She made 1st Team All-Region 3-7A, 2nd Team All-State, 2nd Team All-County and Atlanta Tip Off Club All-Metro. Lauren Walker was crowned Region 3-7A Player of the Year, 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Cobb County and Atlanta Tip Off Club All-Metro 2nd Team.

Coach DeWitt was awarded Region 3-7A Coach of the Year, AJC 7-A Coach of the Year and Atlanta Tip Off Cremins Coach of the Year.

Not only was there success in the season but also for the future of the three Blue Devil seniors. Coach DeWitt’s goal at the beginning of the season was to have all of his seniors go to college for basketball and that goal was achieved. Ajia Smith is committed to South Carolina State University, Lauren Walker is committed to Michigan State, and Tresha Gorman committed to play at Albany State University.

Below: Lauren Walker (12), 7A South Region Player of the Year, talks with a reporter after the game. Walker scored 19 points in the championship.

Left: Kayla Day (9) scores against Woodstock on Mar. 13. Day scored 9 points in the game.

Guard Makayah Harris (10) attacks ther rim for a tough two points surrounded by Woodstock players. Harris scored 7 points for MHS. Photos by Antwan Williams

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page 14

Marietta athletes earn scholarships Zachary Harrison & Ella Chesney Staff Writers

Kamari Miller

Lauren Walker

Macie Pfeuffer

Mikayla Duke

Cross Country & Track I chose Syracuse because of the environment and opportunities it provides for young athletes like myself. The connection I had with the coaching staff and bond I built with the school throughout the pandemic was one like no other, so the decision was easy for me to choose the Orange.

Basketball I chose Michigan State University because I feel like it is a great fit for me in terms of my style of play. I love the coaches and feel like they will push me in order to become the best player I can be.

Cross Country & Track I chose to go to Samford because ever since I stepped on campus I loved the community and school.

The team matched really well with my goals and I have a lot of friends that go there.

Softball I chose TSU because it was an HBCU. When visiting, it felt like I belonged. The people were nice as well as the coaches and they seemingly wanted my best interest. They had my major and programs that would help me soar in my career.

Nicole Ortiz

Betsy Gordon

McKenzie Walker

Akinni James Soccer

Lacrosse I chose Life because I loved the atmosphere of the team and the school. I grew good bonds with the team and I knew I wanted to be part of it.

Cross Country & Track I chose Belmont because the community of people there didn’t just feel like a place but a home. I could tell they wanted me to succeed and would push me to be the best.

Track I chose GSU because it felt like home. I felt wanted, welcomed, and that I fit in. Lastly, I felt as if I would be successful and completely thrive at GSU.

I chose to attend UAB because of the financial aid that they offered and becuase of their soccer division and program.

Kennedy Morris

Zoe Adams

Ajia Smith

Treysha Gorman

I chose Georgia State University because of the wonderful coaching staff and the atmosphere of the program and the university itself. The moment I stepped on the track I knew GSU was the school for me.

I’m going to Claflin University and the reason I chose Claflin is because academically it’s a good school and is ranked in the top 10 HBCUs for academics. The balance between sports and academics will be great.

I chose South Carolina State University because it’s an HBCU and rich in school history I can learn from. I can definitely see myself elevating as a person through the coaching staff and my teammates. #GoBulldogs

I knew Albany Tech was for me while roaming around the campus. I felt like it was the perfect HBCU for me to get better at each day and I have plenty of resources there to help me do that.

Track

Softball

Basketball

Basketball

Class of 2021

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page15

Piper Rausch Assistant Editor It’s time to say goodbye to another senior class. However, with the class of 2021, we’ve had an abundance of Zooms but not a lot of facetime. Let’s get to know some faces behind those black screens- these next two pages are all about the class of ‘21.

Read the messages on the phone and try to guess which senior said it! Answers are on the back page.

Joe Compton

A

Jaida Wooten

D

1 2 3

Amani Tillman

B

Luis Badillo

E

4 5

C

Sydney Robinson

Naomi Beyene

F

6

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Class of 2021

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page 16

Piper Rausch Assistant Editor

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MOST LIKELY TO GET INTO A FIGHT WITH A COSTUMED CAST MEMBER AT DISNEY

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MOST LIKELY TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT

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During quarantine, we all changed in some way, shape, or form. The “Quarantine Glow-up” paired with the “Freshman to Senior Grow-up” led to some spectacular changes in our senior class members. Here are some of our picks for seniors who went through a “metamorphosis” from freshman year to now. r year senio

freshman yea r

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ABU HOQUE

BELLA PECK

BRYAN EPSTEIN

“Quarantine definitely helped shape who I am today because I was able to sit down and address my shortcomings thoroughly for the first time with all the extra time that I had. Once I started addressing my flaws and looking at life in a positive manner, I was able to eliminate most of the negative aspects of my life.”

“I changed for a lot of reasons, and not just my weight. I felt like I was overall too negative as a person and finding a healthy balance of everything in my life motivated me towards my transformation. In the end though, I changed because I wanted to simply live better and I feel like I’ve done that.”

“I think my height change contributed most to my glow-up. The height difference is the biggest thing.”

“My favorite memory from high school was the gold out game when it rained. It was just one of those movie moments where everything felt so surreal. We were all completely drenched and so many people had already left but the people who stayed just chose to live in the moment and make the best of it. I don’t even remember if we won the game.”

“My favorite high school memory was the IB retreat. There was such a sense of community. We were all just together and it felt like a family bonding.”

- Vitaly Santana Herrera

- Helen Lepp Match the message answers: A5, B4, C6, D1, E2, F3