Volume 18, Issue 2, April 2021 ODYSSEY Newsmagazine

ODYSSEY

Volume 18 Issue 2 April 2021 $5.00

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CALLING OUT CANCEL CULTURE

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ATHLETIC RECRUITMENT AND COVID-19

SINCE CCHS' RETURN TO IN-PERSON LEARNING ON MARCH 15, THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY HAS BEGUN TO REESTABLISH SCHOOL SPIRIT.

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VIEWPOINTS POWER TO THE PEOPLE 10 The Georgia state government does not represent its minority populations. Georgia voters should elect politicians who will overcome this discrepancy.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Featured: RECONSTRUCTING THE STREET: A part of East Clayton Street is blocked off while construction continues. Georgia’s recent adoption of the International Building Code means that the East Clayton Street Improvements Project needs to redesign the overhead lighting system.

According to Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz, this is an example of Athens’ constant evolution. “One of the interesting things about Athens’ sort of urban history is that it was certainly built in a way that evolved over time, but in that evolution, it lacked some of the management pieces of some other cities,” Girtz said. Photo by Ireland McCage

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BY DANIEL GARCIA-POZO

Features CARRYING THE COMMUNITY 14 Various sectors of the Athens economy were each affected uniquely by the pandemic, and it will take help from the public to recover.

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BY NATALIE SCHLIEKELMAN

NEWS 22 ESSENTIAL EXTRACURRICULARS Despite the pandemic, CCHS clubs continue to find ways to meet and engage in activities both online and in person.

BY ELIZA INGLE

VARIETY

Featured: CURBSIDE COMPANION: Clarke County School District food assistant Luis Hernández-López provides a CCSD family with food at the Chase Street Elementary School curbside location on Feb. 22. Hernández-López enjoys working as a food assistant for a variety of reasons. “I enjoy being in the kitchen and (working) in nutrition. I also like (knowing) how to change a diet to see what you can (use) to make a healthier (lifestyle),” Hernández-López said. Photo by Dalila Tejada

COVID CINEMA 25 Variety Staffer Antonio Starks reviews three

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pandemic-related movies and evaluates their relevance and effect amidst the current crisis.

BY ANTONIO STARKS

SPORTS DURING COVID 38 COMMITMENT High school athletes have faced various COVID19-related restrictions and obstacles this year during the collegiate recruitment process.

BY AUDREY ENGHAUSER

Featured: POSITIVE PRESSURE: Varsity boys soccer goalie Owen Barnett, a freshman, stands in front of the goal with a soccer ball in the Billy Henderson Stadium. Barnett is motivated by the stakes his role entails. “You (have) got to make fast decisions,” Owen said. “The pressure is on you and if you can do good when the pressure is on you, then you're better than a lot of people.” Photo by Luna Reichert Cover illustration by Lillian Sams Cover design by Naomi Hendershot

April 2021

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odysseynewsmagazine.com GALLERY: CCHS PROM 2021 The Clarke Central High School prom was held in the CCHS courtyard on May 1 with a theme of “Maskerade in Paris.”

BY CHLOE SEARS AND LUCAS DONNELLY

EVE CARSON AND MILLER JORDAN AWARD WINNERS DECLARED Clarke Central High School seniors Andrew Robinson and Montavious Cunningham were recipients of the Eve Carson Humanitarian Spirit Award and the Dr. Miller Jordan, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, respectively.

BY LILLIAN SAMS

TACO STAND TAKES A STAND The Taco Stand, an iconic local restaurant, reopened in 2021 with new co-owner Mark Opel, on Jan. 1, reminding some Athenians of their favorite memories of the original restaurant.

BY ANTONIO STARKS

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE CLASS OF 2021 Journalism I Facilitator and graduating senior Owen Donnelly congratulates the class of 2021 on their accomplishments.

BY OWEN DONNELLY

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Odyssey

The ODYSSEY is a student-run news publication, published with the intent to inform, entertain and give voice to the Clarke Central High School community, as well as to educate student journalists.

Established in 2003, the ODYSSEY is published four times a year, and each issue is an open public forum for student expression under the guidance of a faculty adviser.

Student journalists are provided with opportunities to investigate, inform, interpret and to evaluate: all traditionally accepted functions of the press in America. Published opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of anyone other than the staff.

The ODYSSEY staff is committed to reflect the mission statement set forth by Clarke Central High School. The goals of the staff are to provide fair, accurate news and commentaries, as well as to serve the interests of the school and Athens’ community.

Advertising must conform to the guidelines set forth for editorials. Publication of advertisements does not indicate an endorsement by CCHS or the ODYSSEY staff.

Students pictured in advertisements are not given monetary compensation. All advertising rates are available upon request from any ODYSSEY staff member.

The ODYSSEY is a member of the Quill and Scroll Honor Society, Georgia Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Southern Interscholastic Press Association.

Corrections of errors and omissions will appear in the next issue.

Editor-in-Chief: Naomi Hendershot Print Managing Editor: Elena Webber Lead Copy Editor: Audrey Enghauser Digital Manging Editor: Ireland McCage Viewpoints Editor: Maya Cornish News Editor: Natalie Schliekelman Variety Editor: Emma Scott Sports Editor: Isabella Baker-Johnson Business Manager: Issac Ramirez Photography Editor: Luna Reichert Broadcast Editor: Krista Shumaker Beat Editor: Gretchen Hinger Illustrator: Lillian Sams Webmaster: Micah Shannon Staff Members: Gunnar Churchwell Lukas Cornish Jaydon Dennis Salai Diekumpuna Lucas Donnelly Owen Donnelly Daniel Garcia-Pozo Eliza Ingle Kalliope Samaltanos Chloe Sears Micah Shannon Antonio Starks Dalila Tejada Frances Thrasher Carolina Turner Natasha Williams Nicolas Willman Adviser: David A. Ragsdale ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE Clarke Central High School 350 S. Milledge Avenue Athens, Georgia 30605

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ATHENS BUSINESSES AND COVID-19

Our December 2020 issue featured a story about the ways in which the pandemic has affected various local businesses.

>> SPORTS

>> VIEWPOINTS

A HELPING HAND // Salai Diekumpuna

BOILING POINT // Elena Webber

I really liked how the author told us about Na'kia, about how she started playing basketball and why she started playing. I also liked that the author got her coach, her teacher and her mom to give input about Na'kia and what kind of person she is. The author wrote a lot of the article from Na'kia’s point of view by using quotes and it makes it feel like it’s Na'kia telling her story and not someone telling it for her. I also liked how the author included what Na'kia’s plans are after high school with basketball and what she wants to study in college.

I strongly agree with the points the author made in the most recent Boiling Point editorial. I am reminded of the difficulties presented by moving away from the demeaning ways we evaluate students' academic knowledge. It's not only important to find more accurate measures that aren't limited to the students ability to memorize facts for a test, but we must also expand teaching styles that will drive students to work hard, develop critical thinking skills and a love for learning. Encouraging our administrators to explore different methods would be beneficial for the students during their high school career and beyond.

-- Anna Robinson, junior

--Victoria Garland, Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School, eighth grade

>> NEWS THE DIGITAL DIVIDE // Owen Donnelly and Eliza Ingle I really enjoyed reading this article because I believe it showed both the negatives and positives of virtual learning. I can relate to all the student perspectives included, especially the point about virtual learning being too easy so sometimes you don’t learn much. The inclusion of teachers’ perspectives is also really beneficial because sometimes as students, it’s hard to see things from their point of view, and vice versa. The article shows that virtual learning has been something challenging for everyone. It shows that the students, the teachers, and the rest of the faculty are all trying their best to make it work despite the various obstacles.

-- Ebubechukwu Obi-Okoye, senior

Contact ODYSSEY Newsmagazine

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think it's so important to write about the impact of

COVID-19 on small businesses in Athens. The

story reminded me how they've been a staple in the Athens community

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and need all the support we can give them.

Corrections/Omissions December 2020 Table of contents under Viewpoints author's name, “Lanyia” should be “Laniya” Page 9 under Thumbs in Lack Spirit description, “comunity” should be “community” Page 11, in the Head to head, “avalible” should be “available” Page 16, in Dean’s direction, there should be a comma after “Principal” in the first photo caption Page 16, in Dean’s direction, “ensure” should be “ensuring” in the first photo caption Page 23, in The digital divide, “Boza” in “CCHS Assistant Principal Boza, Dr. Linda Boza”, the first “Boza” should be omitted Page 23, in The digital divide in the pull quote, “Princpal” should be “Principal” Page 26 in the bottom caption, “Illistration” should be “Illustration” Page 31, in Athens businesses and COVID-19, in the bottom right photo caption, “Alow” should be “Above” Page 31, in Athens businesses and COVID-19, in the bottom right photo caption, “Prince Avenu” should be spelled “Prince Avenue” Page 36, in Stopping the spread in sports, “amoung” should be spelled “among” Page 37, in Stopping the spread in sports, the period after “Photo by Luna Reichert” should be omitted

-- Caral Vinsition Institue researcher Jennifer Inglett on "Athens businesses and COVID-19"

by Variety Staffer Chloe Sears

Letters: Email us at editors@odysseynewsmagazine.net, or drop off in the Main Office, in care of the ODYSSEY. We ask that all letters be under 250 words and signed. We reserve the right to omit or edit any letters received. Insulting, unsigned or libelous statements will not be considered for publication. All letters may be edited for clarity and space.

Advertising: For ad rates email us at business@odysseynewsmagazine.net.

Online: Message us on Instagram at @odysseynewsmag.

April 2021

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Editor-in-Chief Naomi Hendershot shares the role of her father's business within her family and the community.

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ften when I meet new people in the Athens area, I’ll introduce myself, first and last name. Once they hear my last name, I’ll see a flicker of recBY NAOMI HENDERSHOT ognition come across Editor-in-Chief their face, then hear the question I’ve been getting since elementary school.

“Wait, Hendershot as in Hendershot’s Coffee?”

Then the follow up, “Is your dad Seth Hendershot?”

"Yes, and yes, he is," is my response.

It’s been 10 years since my dad took a leap of faith and put his vision into action. But that’s who he is, always thinking of big ideas and making them into a reality. Since then, Hendershot’s has been a huge part of our family's life.

It is much different from a Jittery Joe’s or a Starbucks. It’s a music venue, a bar at night, and a hub for the Athens community. It’s also an extension of my dad.

Ever since I was little, I’ve always seen a certain star quality in my dad. My family often refers to this as the “Seth charm” -- his impeccable ability to put a smile on your face or provide optimism in the face of doubt. This shows through the way he does business.

I see it when customers come into the shop and immediately spot him making friendly conversation, talking through a business proposal, asking about open mic or whether or not their band can play on Friday night.

I’ve watched my dad have these conversations a hundred times over, making connections and building relationships. My dad would always say, "That’s a part of business -- giving people the time of day."

Fast forward to 2020, while undoubtedly Hendershot’s has a popular standing in the Athens community, that was no guarantee it’d make it through the peril of the pandemic.

While I dealt with my own hardships during the pandemic, I watched my dad fight to keep his small business alive, going in every day of the week, working by himself to serve coffee through a garage window.

It was then I saw the insecurity of being a local business owner, even in a town that overtly advocates for a local economy. Local businesses around Athens were without the consistent flow of revenue they had pre-pandemic, therefore they were unable to pay their normal rent, buy supplies and pay their employees.

Seeing this struggle firsthand, I also saw the resilience of business owners like my dad.

Many late nights were spent brainstorming ways to keep the business running, applying for government financial aid and working with other business owners and organizations in Athens to keep the local economy afloat as a whole.

Hope was not lost.

While the convenience of chain restaurants and supermarkets is nice, nothing beats the familiarity of knowing the owner firsthand and the story behind their products and business.

Local businesses play an important part in bolstering the local economy. They increase the local tax base, and they have created two out of every three new net jobs since 2014, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s August 2017 Small Business Quarterly Bulletin.

It was then I saw the insecurity of being a local business owner, even in a town that overtly advocates for a local economy.

People like my dad work hard every day to maintain environments that bring communities of people together. That’s why it’s important for Athens residents to make an honest effort to support the local economy of our town in any way they can. O

Above: COFFEE BUSINESS: Editor-in-Chief Naomi Hendershot holds her father Seth Hendershot's arm in admiration. Naomi writes about how her dad worked to keep his business, Hendershot's, alive during the pandemic and the lessons she has learned through witnessing the hardship firsthand. Illustration by Lillian Sams

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Viewpoints

OUR TAKE

After over a year of adverse effects on education due to the pandemic, the academic success of K-12 students should be at the forefront of concern for American schools.

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ince March 2020, students across the nation have endured severe disruption in their educational development and mental well-being due to COVID-19. Nationwide, 55 million children were out of the classroom once the pandemic hit, according to the World Economic Forum.

Pre-COVID educational and institutional issues within the U.S. education system were ever-present, such as opportunity and achievement gaps.

These inequities have been prevalent locally in the Clarke County School District. In 2019, “Achievement Gap,” a district-wide testing analysis, found that Black students in the district are, on average, 3.4 grade levels behind their White counterparts.

In terms of the pandemic, a report published by the Economic Policy Institute predicts that year-long virtual schooling, which Clarke Central High School students participated in, will further amplify institutional issues such as the achievement gap.

Moving forward into the next school year, those who work in education in the U.S. should be aware and prepared for the social and educational impacts

2020 has had on students in K-12.

Along with a change in environment to virtual schooling, many students have also experienced larger conflicts due to external effects of COVID-19.

Consequences such as increased unemployment, increased homelessness and in some cases loss of family members have undoubtedly impacted students across the nation and here in the CCSD.

that can already be noted represent new changes that came with COVID-19, such as the lack of access to laptops and Wi-Fi for lower income students. The study also predicts that standardized testing data will be inaccurate as the limitations of these tests such as access to tutoring and coverage of a narrow skill set have been amplified due to the pandemic.

Currently, the U.S. Department of Education, along with the Biden administration, has made efforts to collect data about the impact COVID-19 has had on K-12 schools across the country, according to an article published by PBS. Yet, even without the new set of data, COVID-19 has certainly exposed the insecurities within the education system, calling for an absolute need of reform.

To combat these current and future issues in education, school administrators nationwide should make a collective effort to give support to teachers and students in the following years.

While the exact impacts of this year are still statistically uncertain, public school systems should place great importance on combating the widening achievement gap in education. O

To combat these current and future issues in education, educational administrations nationwide should make a collective effort to give support to teachers and students in the following years.

While many local and national researchers are still trying to define exactly how COVID-19 has impacted K-12 education, the Economic Policy Institute published a report on Sept. 10, 2020, highlighting some of the possible consequences of virtual learning.

As the report states, impacts of the pandemic

Featured: POOR PANDEMIC GRADES: An illustration shows a student’s decline in academic success due to the pandemic. School districts nationwide should provide additional support for students in order to make up for academic losses during virtual learning.

Illustration by Lillian Sams

Viewpoints

April 2021

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THUMBS The ODYSSEY staff’s opinions on this month’s issues.

ANNA SHAIKUN

FRESH VOICE Journalism I student Anna Shaikun shares how she has benefited from learning jiu-jitsu.

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EXPENSIVE EDUCATION The barrier of expensive college tuition prevents many young people from receiving a quality postsecondary education.

THINKING LOCAL Editor-in-Chief Naomi Hendershot sees the importance of supporting local businesses through her father’s business.

PANDEMIC PANIC Various sectors of the Athens economy will endure lasting economic impact due to the pandemic.

SPIRITED STUDENTS After a year of virtual learning, CCHS students are now able to learn in person together and reestablish the culture and spirit of the school.

CANCEL WITH CARE Social media users need to be more aware of the negative effects of cancel culture and how often they use it.

ROADBLOCKS IN RECRUITMENT High school athletes have faced COVID-related restrictions on many aspects of the college recruitment process.

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STREET UPDATES Renovations are taking place on East Clayton Street in Downtown Athens to improve the functionality of infrastructure and quality of life for community members.

FOCUSING ON THE GAME For CCHS freshman Owen Barnett, striving for success in soccer is all about letting the pressure sink in.

Three, two, one!” A group of twenty or so students all clap simultaneously after the instructor’s countdown. They break off into pairs to practice. Depending on the day, they may be learning how to get out of the bottom of a fight, what to do when someone puts you in a headlock, or whatever else corresponds to the jiu-jitsu lesson of the day.

I started taking jiu-jitsu classes when I was 13, upon my dad’s recommendation. I used to take karate at the same dojo where my dad took jiu-jitsu, but stopped a few years later. When I told him I wanted to start again, he suggested I do jiu-jitsu instead because the skills were more applicable to real life.

Thankfully, I listened.

Through practicing jiu-jitsu, I’ve become more disciplined over the past few years. In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, it can take a year or more to even get your first colored belt. Students must concentrate during classes and study to get belts and stripes, and I try to carry that energy into academics and beyond. I’ve become much more organized and started working harder to keep good grades.

Not only did I develop the skills needed to take care of myself mentally, I’ve become more assured of my physical skills.

Not only did I develop the skills needed to take care of myself mentally, I’ve become more assured of my physical skills. I’ve grown up hearing horrifying stories about women being assaulted or kidnapped. But taking martial arts, especially jiu jitsu, has helped me feel safer.

I know what to do if someone drags me away by the wrist, if someone grabs me by the waist or if I need to block a punch.

Through jiu jitsu, I have become more confident and assured in myself.

Whether that’s playing a sport or making art, everyone should make time for whatever makes them the best version of themselves. O

Above: BECOMING DISCIPLINED: An illustration shows Journalism I student Anna Shaikun in her jiu-jitsu uniform.

Through practicing the martial art, Shaikun has become more disciplined and confident. Illustration

by Frances Thrasher

Viewpoints

THE CORNISH CRITIQUE The cost of a college education should be reduced in order to allow more individuals to benefit from the advantages of a postsecondary degree.

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ccording to a In the long term, the governClarke Central ment should focus on reducing Education is not only vital for the public college tuition significantHigh School weekly update email growth of an individual, but for ly. However, a more realistic plan sent on March 7, 112 for the newar future would be to the growth of society as a whole, so make technical certificates and of the 400 seniors in the CCHS Class of associate degrees free, which will it must remain a priority.

2021 have been acceptincrease the number of those ed into one or more qualified for in-demand careers,

BY MAYA CORNISH colleges and 167 have such as environmental engineerAlong with the plan for student loan forgiveness, Viewpoints Editor completed their Free ing technicians, web developers and occupational the government has also sent stimulus checks of Application for Federal $1,400 to those eligible starting March 17. therapy assistants, according to Study.com.

Student Aid form.

Furthermore, more corporations and private As these stimulus checks are going to those who The FAFSA is a form completed by current and entities such as nonprofits should continue to will spend the money soon after receival instead soon to be college students in the United States to offer significant scholarships for a diverse range of of saving it, the money will help in the proliferadetermine their eligibility for financial aid. students in order to give them the opportunity to tion of the American economy. Coinciding with While the FAFSA is a great way to financially receive a college education without having to pay potential changes to college tuition, this initiative support prospective college students who may brings about an understandable concern about how off student debt for years after they graduate. otherwise be unable to afford a postsecondary edPrioritizing college education will serve as a this expenditure would affect the United States ucation, the 2020 average student loan debt is still long-term investment that will reap rewards for the economy. extremely high at $32,731, according to a Forbes future of not only the United States, but society However, education is not only vital for the article published on Feb. 3, 2020. across the globe. O growth of an individual, but for the growth of sociFor many, this financial obstacle is insurmountety as a whole, so it must remain a priority. able. According to a 2019 census, within the Clarke County School District, 27.2% of students are below the poverty line, which is double the rate of Georgia’s 13.3%.

Why should bettering oneself to increase their success and wanting the knowledge to live a better life, be this expensive?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans were laid off from their jobs. With many high school and college graduates unable to find a paying job, they may need to go back to school to gain the skills necessary for a job. Even at a two-year technical school, the average cost for a degree is $33,000, according to Vocational Training HQ. According to a CNBC article published Nov. 9, 2020, President Joe Biden stated in his campaign that he will call on Congress to cancel $10,000 in student loan debt for all borrowers in response to the pandemic. However, the program that is currently in place is mostly applicable to those who were defrauded by their institutions.

The government should also focus its attention on the many students who are eligible to receive a quality college educa- Above: PRICE TO PAY: An illustration shows a student deciding which train to board, as it will guide how his life progresses. The government should rethink the steep expense of public college tuition that poses challenges for students looking to receive a high-quality education. Illustration by Lillian Sams tion but must take out loans to pay for it.

Viewpoints

April 2021

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POWER TO THE PEOPLE While the voices of racial and ethnic minorities in Georgia are essential, current Georgia representatives do not reflect the make up or interests of these communities.

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n March 26, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed Georgia Senate Bill 202 into law. Along with other provisions, this law makes obtaining absentee ballots more

BY DANIEL GARCIA-POZO difficult, limits certain Viewpoints Staffer voters to certain polling locations and even prevents people from offering food and drink to voters waiting in line.

This is a law made by White lawmakers for the White population.

According to an article published by the Georgia Broadcasting Service on May 19, seven lawsuits have been filed against Kemp's law, and most of the cases argue that it discrimminates against nonwhite voters.

What is wrong in the Georgia state government that laws threatening minority populations and interests can come to pass?

The root of the issue is governmental representation. According to the U.S. 2019 Census, Georgia’s population stands at 52% White, 32% Black, 10% Hispanic and 4% Asian. The membership of the Georgia legislature, however, is 71% White, 27% Black, 1% Hispanic and 1% Asian, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

If Georgians have the privilege to, they must use their positions to ensure minority perspectives are heard and understood in their local government.

While Georgia has the second highest Black population of any U.S. state, according to the 2019 U.S. Census, Georgia has also historically disenfranchised Black voters.

Georgia was founded on the ideals of democracy. However, democracy is subverted when the opinions of significant populations are suppressed.

According to a Jan. 4 article in the Regulatory Review, Georgia has obstructed Black and other

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minority voters by moving voting locations or even removing voters from registration.

Actions such as these limit opportunities for minority voters, which leads to less minority leaders.

Issues of underrepresentation become more important when considering the recent increase in ethnic and racial diversity within Georgia. In fact, according to the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute, it is estimated that in the next three decades, people of color could make up 85% of new Georgians.

We are clearly not a negligible part of our state.

As long as the ethnic and racial diversity of Georgia residents trends upward, representation in our state's government must also rise to reflect the changes.

making great change when politicians support and accurately represent them by leading efforts to swing the historically Republican Georgia electoral vote to Democrat.

Abrams’ work was effective because she mobilized both underrepresented Georgians and residents of more privileged communities to register voters and collectively combat voter suppression.

Change such as this can occur if people work together, starting small. Georgians can support minority leaders during elections like the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement did during the 2020 presidential elections, participate in clubs such as the Clarke Central High School Young Democrats and canvas in minority communities.

Above: REAL REPRESENTATION: An illustration of officials of various racial and ethnic backgrounds stand before the capitol building. Similarly broad representation should make up the Georgia government in order to reflect the identities and voices of the Georgian people. Illustration by Lillian Sams

If the state is unable to reflect the interests of its high minority population, then it cannot serve its people effectively.

On a variety of occasions, minority leaders within Georgia have proven their capacity to understand the needs of and provide for their respective communities. One recent example is seen with Stacey Abrams, a Black politician who worked to mobilize Georgia voters during the 2020 presidential election.

Abrams showed that minorities are capable of

The voices and power of minorities cannot be ignored in Georgia. Laws that benefit the few, like Georgia Senate Bill 202, go against the will of the people and ideals of democracy.

If Georgians have the privilege to, they must use their positions to ensure minority perspectives are heard and understood in their local government.

Representation in the government is an end goal, but change begins with the people of Georgia themselves. O

Viewpoints

SCHOOL STATE OF MIND Due to the pandemic, many mental health experts expect depression and anxiety rates in teens to rise. Now is the time to make structural changes in the U.S. government that will improve access to care.

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BY KALLIOPE SAMALTANOS Viewpoints Staffer

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the likelihood that teenagers will develop depression and other mental health disorders due to increased amounts of isolation and a lack of

social interaction.

“People are starting to find notable increases in depression and anxiety for teens. Some estimates suggest about a 20% increase in symptoms over the last year,” University of Georgia assistant professor of psychology Dr. Katie Ehrlich said. “If you were just a little bit depressed pre-COVID, you're more likely to be moderately depressed during this phase.”

In 1946, President Harry Truman passed the National Mental Health Act, which created the National Institute of Mental Health and put government funds into research and treatment for those deemed mentally “ill.”

The original intention behind the act was to

help veterans suffering from the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) effects of World War II, but it was later modified to reach a broader spectrum of patients. This was the first time mental health in the United States was treated as a serious issue.

Although this was a step in the right direction for the United States, the issue should be revisited as teenage mental health has become a growing topic of discussion throughout the pandemic.

Currently, the CDC suggests that depression could affect one in two people following the pandemic, which would be a major spike from the currently reported one in six.

This dramatic change requires action from the government to provide support to its citizens struggling with mental health disorders.

The first step to improving teenagers' access to mental health care is by making support more readily available through public schools.

Additionally, schools should find new ways to target students who are not seeking the help they need on their own.

While the government already supports struggling teenagers through the availability of school counselors, a 2016 study from the University of New Hampshire reports that only 17.8% of public schools meet the American School Counselor Association's recommended 250:1

The first step to improving teenagers' access to mental health care is by making support readily available through public schools. student-to-counselor ratio. Each public school in the United States should be required to meet this recommendation.

Furthermore, schools should reimagine the role of mental health access, urging students to seek help not only for school conflicts, but for issues at home, as well. School counselors are already strained in the responsibilities they have, from counseling students with academics, college admissions, and scheduling classes. Schools should prioritize the hiring of more counselors that focus solely on meeting the mental health needs of all students.

To aid students who require more help, schools should partner with mental health organizations that are able to pair students with professionals.

Due to issues at home or financial need, their school may be a student's only way to access the resources they need.

Though emotional health care for teenagers is an ever-evolving field, especially throughout the pandemic, there are steps that schools across the nation can take to ensure that each individual has access to a safe and secure mental health outlet. O

RESOURCES: National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-800-628-9454 SAMHSA Hotline for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) NAMI Hotline for Mental Health: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Above: MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS: A man struggles with mental health due to the pandemic. Since March 2020, mental health issues among teenagers have become more prominent, and in order to account for this, school districts nationwide should consider new support resources in public schools to better aid students. Illustration by Lillian Sams

Viewpoints

April 2021

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CAREFUL WITH CANCEL CULTURE The act of holding public figures accountable is important, but its purpose is lost when celebrities and social media influencers are canceled for trivial reasons.

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he primary purpose of canceling should be to combat abusive behavior and wrongdoings of influencers and celebrities in order to stop them from perpetuating harmful actions, but

BY NICOLAS WILLMAN the culture that often Viewpoints Staffer surrounds it can completely miss the mark by targeting the wrong people.

Shunning has been a powerful mechanism throughout human evolution to enforce behavioral norms and limit harm, as the fear of being shunned is meant to be a deterrent to harmful behavior. For example, a caveman who ate all of his tribe’s food would have been cast out from the group without any resources to survive.

For social media influencers, the loss of reputation can be just as significant. Canceling -- the modern-day, widespread form of shunning -- takes away an influencer’s connection to their audience, which for many supports their livelihood. This is intended to force them to change their poor behavior for the better.

YouTuber Shane Dawson experienced one of the highest-profile cancellations of 2020. According to a June 2020 article in The Washington Post, the controversies included sexualizing children and animals, wearing blackface and using racial slurs in his videos.

The Washington Post also reported that YouTube demonetized his content following the cancellation. According to Social Blade, which shows social media analytics for creators, Dawson's subscriber count also declined between June and November 2020, from 23.3 to 21.2 million people.

After an extensive break from social media, Dawson continues to limit his internet presence in order to reflect on his decisions and ensure they are not repeated.

This is an example of cancel culture doing its job. Dawson’s behavior was problematic and severely harmful to his large audience,

Canceling only serves its purpose when used intentionally and against someone who is causing harm to the public, but it has spun into a toxic culture. thus he was immediately condemned, restraining his impact on the public and minimizing his platform online.

Canceling only serves its purpose when used intentionally and against someone who is causing harm to the public, but it has spun into a toxic culture.

Instead of serving as a means to end a career, it has instead become the end itself.

Singer-songwriter Demi Lovato has been canceled

time and time again, even meriting her very own semi-permanent Twitter hashtag, #DemiIsOverParty. In March 2020, Instagram users shunned Lovato for posting foul comments about singer-songwriter Selena Gomez on a private account.

While Lovato’s remarks were certainly in poor taste, this issue did not affect the public enough to warrant another cancellation.

Similarly, social media users went after singer-songwriter Taylor Swift on Twitter in March 2021 for a situation she had virtually no control over. Fans flooded the comments of one of her ex-boyfriend’s social media posts with negative comments on his and Swift’s breakup, which prompted the ex’s fans to use the hashtag #TaylorSwiftIsOverParty to call out the singer for her toxic behavior.

Audiences should recognize the difference between Swift’s situation and Lovato and Dawson’s behavior. People should be called out for disrespectful actions, like Lovato, but true shunning should be reserved for the small number of extreme cases, like Dawson, lest canceling loses all meaning.

Social media platforms attempt to ward against harmful behavior by screening for the most dangerous messages and suppressing them. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok implement automatic filters that identify and block content deemed to be harmful, such as drugs or weapons.

However, the collective responsibility of holding people accountable for their actions cannot be offloaded to an algorithm.

Audiences must call out influencers for their behavior when it causes public harm, and that means reserving canceling for when it’s necessary. O

Above: TAKING AWAY THEIR PLATFORM: The illustration shows a phone screen with someone canceling an influencer on Twitter. While it is an important tool for regulating celebriies' and influencers’ behavior on social media, canceling should be reserved for extreme and destructive behavior in order to be effective. Illustration by Frances Thrasher

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Viewpoints

BOILING POINT Managing Editor Elena Webber shares her experience as a musician and the impact it has had on her growth as a person.

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rowing up, I would often find myself messing with the slightly out-oftune keys on the 1896 Kranich and Bach grand piano that sits

BY ELENA WEBBER in my living room Managing Editor -- a faint tint of yellow and cracks on the F and A keys directly in the middle defined them.

I didn’t click with the instrument at first. However, as I began to take piano lessons, playing music became my haven of self-expression and freedom.

My fingers gently traced the keys, producing sounds I never imagined were possible.

I had infinite ways to exhibit creativity and imagination at my fingertips.

My music career expanded in the six years following my first piano lesson to include clarinet, percussion and guitar. I spent hours switching between instruments to test my abilities. For fun, I fiddled around with the notes to play songs by ear.

Over time, music had become more than my outlet for self-expression, but a breakthrough in who I was as a person and who I was to become.

Music is about more than just playing an instrument.

Music has taught me discipline, confidence, resilience and so much more. My beloved late high school band director once told me it’s nearly impossible to play the same piece of music the exact same way every single time.

Music is shaped by circumstance. Every single movement determines the outcome, and it’s never perfect -- it’s perfectly flawed.

Music is fluid -- a journey where the future is shaped by the past, very much like life.

I think about how every note, every run, every musical piece as a whole is conquerable with time and patience.

When I find myself at a low point, completely overwhelmed by my schoolwork or personal battles, I pick up an instrument and play.

I think about how every note, every run, every musical piece as a whole is conquerable with time and patience.

There are days where I cannot play my best. Maybe it’s that my fingers aren’t cooperating with me, or maybe I don’t have the mental power to focus on the piece at hand.

On days like these, I’m not infuriated with myself. I simply do what I can and pick it back up the next day. Even with a piece that I have been playing for years, a piece I can play with my eyes closed, I will still press a wrong key or strum a wrong string.

That’s the beauty of it.

Applying this mindset towards life has taught me to persevere and carry resilience through the challenges I face.

The skills I’ve obtained through playing music have shaped who I am as a person and taught me that although I may not be in control of exterior factors that affect me, I’m in control of the outcome and how I persist and respond to these challenges.

Like the slightly out-of-tune keys on my yellowed 1896 piano, with cracks on the F and A key, life is perfectly flawed -- and nonetheless, I will still play. O

Above: THE YELLOWED 1896 PIANO: An illustration shows Managing Editor Elena Webber sitting at a piano with her mother as a child. Piano was the first instrument Webber learned to play, and practicing music has since taught her many valuable lessons. Illustration by Lillian Sams

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Story by NATALIE SCHLIEKELMAN News Editor

Layout by NAOMI HENDERSHOT Editor-in-Chief

Photos by AUDREY ENGHAUSER Lead Copy Editor

COVID-19 has impacted different Athens communities and sectors in different ways, and a network of support from the ACC government, community members, businesses and other organizations has offered assistance.

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ith the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the Athens hospitality and service industries, as well as historically underserved communities, have struggled to make ends meet due to lost revenue and decreased engagement in the economy.

On March 19, 2020, the Athens-Clarke County government passed a mandated shelter-in-place ordinance that prohibited residents from leaving their homes except for essential needs and placed limits on most operations in the city. In the year since, the functions of everyday life have adapted and reopened in most capacities, but the community has not been able to return to prepandemic levels of economic strength. Downtown Athens, once a vibrant, bustling area with a diverse range of businesses, saw a steep decline in activity.

“Prior to March 13, 2020, the economy of Athens was thriving in a lot of different ways (through) a lot of different means, goods and services,” Athens Area Chamber of Commerce President David Bradley said. “Because Athens is such a rich cultural entertainment and food environment, we attract a ton of visitors for seminars, workshops, whatever, perhaps at the Classic Center. Our economy was thriving (until) on March 14, the hospitality component of our economy died.”

On April 2, 2020, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp passed a statewide shelter-in-place order that closed all nonessential businesses, leaving only infrastructure such as grocery stores, banks and hospitals open. Restaurants could only operate at a limited capacity with takeout, curbside pick-up and delivery options.

“All those businesses that maybe would normally have a hundred patrons on a Thursday night have many fewer, so that means that their income is diminished and (so is) everybody who they would help support by buying flour and sugar, or accessing one of those sort of laundering services or by buying cases of wine,” Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz said. “All of those links in the chain are impacted.”

The University of Georgia sent students home in March 2020 due to the coronavirus, and they did not return until August.

Located in the center of Athens, UGA is an essential part of the Athens economy, providing a large customer base in its student body. It also brings in a significant amount of money

Featured: BIRD'S EYE VIEW: People and cars populate East Clayton Street in Downtown Athens on March 21. Many Downtown Athens businesses have struggled to maintain a customer base and keep their doors open. "For the first time, due to the pandemic, we're starting to see some shuttered businesses, some vacancies, and that's been hard," Athens Downtown Development Authority Planning Director David Lynn said. Photo by Audrey Enghauser

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Carryin Com C

ng the mmunity April 2021

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kelly girtz Athens-Clarke County Mayor

through football games in particular, which attract thousands of attendees. The 2020 UGA football season was reduced to only four of the usual eight home games and a 20 to 25% stadium capacity.

According to Bradley, this caused the loss of at least 100 million dollars for small businesses.

“When you have (37,600) students right across the street, your economy may not (always) be booming, but it's never going to bust because there's always a customer base to buy goods and services to help the economy,” Athens Downtown Development Authority Planning Director of Planning and Outreach David Lynn said.

According to Peter Dale, owner of The National and co-owner of Seabear, Condor Chocolates and Maepole, revenue at The National and at Seabear is down 50% compared to previous years.

“Immediately (when the pandemic hit) in March of last year, it was just to-go (service). Seabear was closed for a couple of months and (opened back up) later in the spring.

The National never really closed, just reduced their hours. At those restaurants, they didn't do a lot of to-go previously, and so there wasn't an online ordering platform,” Dale said.

For Mimi Maumus, owner of the Athens restaurant home.made, keeping up curbside pickup was causing the business to lose more money than it would if

David Bradley

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce President

David lynn

Athens Downtown Development Authority Planning Director

“(At this point in the pandemic), Athens is not struggling as much as a whole, but we have pockets of our community that are -- our business community, hospitality industry and a lot of the service industry.”

-- DAVID BRADLEY,

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce President

Above: UNIVERSITY IN THE HEART OF ATHENS: The University of Georgia arch is shown. Due to the pandemic, UGA students were sent home in March 2020 and did not return until August, which negatively affected businesses that relied heavily on student patronage. "It's been a very hard year for Athens, and that's converse to the regular mentality in almost every other economic down cycle,” Athens Chamber of Commerce President David Bradley said. “College communities fare much better than other communities our size, because you typically have (37,600) students across the street who are captive consumers." Photo by Luna Reichert

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Features

blaine williams

Ilka mcconnell

MARIAH PARKER

all sales were paused, so she closed the restaurant from May to November 2020. “( We were) looking down the barrel of, ‘When is this thing going to be over with? What is the landscape going to be like? Are people coming back to restaurants? When are they coming back to restaurants?’” Maumus said. “It was just like, ‘How do I stop this bleeding?’ Doing the curbside (service), even though we weren't using a lot of money, the sales (just) weren’t supporting that.”

Like many other employers, home.made

temporarily laid off over 20 workers -- the majority of their staff -- during the pandemic.

“Going to a curbside restaurant, we just didn't need all of the employees that we had had previously,” Maumus said. “I did pay staff for as long as I could, because that's not fair to them, but then there reached a point where I (couldn’t) afford it anymore, so I paid them a reduced rate, sort of like a retainer.”

As fewer people support businesses, less money flows through the economy, and there is less money

for individuals, according to ACC Manager Blaine Williams.

“In terms of recession, we are projecting a growth in the tax digest and sales tax next year.

From a recessionary standpoint, we still have growth -- people are spending money,” Williams said. “The decline that we’re seeing has to do with charges for services like downtown parking or Leisure Services fees. People aren’t moving about, getting tickets, things like that.”

According to Girtz, the uneven impact of COVID-19 across the community has made the issue comparatively worse for certain individuals.

“It's not as uniform a recession as we had back in 2009. It’s hit some individuals really hard and other individuals are doing just fine, so it's somewhat unique in terms of American economic cycles,” Girtz said. “Usually everybody feels the drag, (but) in this economic recession, not everybody feels the drag and some people don't feel that at all.”

According to a U.S. Department of Labor report, 39% of people with a household income less than $40,000 were laid off or furloughed in April 2020.

In addition, at the beginning of 2021, national Black unemployment rates were 10%, Hispanic unemployment rates were 8.8%, up from 6.6% and 5.4% respectively, compared to 5.9% and 3.6% for White workers. “(The economic fallout) is particularly focused on a

Athens-Clarke County Manager

Athens-Clarke County Director of Economic Development

Athens-Clarke County District 2 Commissioner

Above: ECONOMIC AID: An infographic shows the different types of economic aid provided by the Athens-Clarke County government and the Athens community. Economic aid was necessary due to high unemployment and risk of recession caused by COVID-19. Infographic by Gretchen Hinger

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UNEMPLOYMENT RATES IN ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY FROM DECEMBER 2019 TO DECEMBER 2020 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2%

December 2019

February 2020

April 2020

June 2020

August 2020

October 2020

December 2020

Above: UNEMPLOYMENT DATA: An infographic shows the unemployment rate in Athens-Clarke County over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. Due to the pandemic, many workers lost their jobs, especially in the service and retail sectors. "We were at near double digit unemployment back in May and June of 2020," Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz said. "We've recovered somewhat from where we were, but we're not back to the normal 3% range we were in in December of 2019." Infographic by Natalie Schliekelman

handful of sectors, and those sectors tend to be ones that employ a lot of modest or low wage workers. It means that people then have challenges in paying their rent, paying for their power bill, buying groceries for their kids,” Girtz said. “People who are poor were heavily hit by COVID. Black and brown communities tend to be more heavily hit by COVID.” According to Athens-Clarke County District 2 Commissioner Mariah Parker, minority communities in Athens have faced greater health risks throughout the pandemic.

end of this than the one that set us up for such suffering,” Parker said.

According to ACC Director of Economic Development Ilka McConnell, many low-income workers have several part-time jobs that they are using to make ends meet -- the jobs that have been most impacted by COVID. “It's a very difficult situation for a lot of our neighbors to have work that they need in order to be able to support themselves and their families, but in the terrible event that they might get sick, they might also not have health insurance to be

“I did pay staff for as long as I could, because that's not fair to them, but then there reached a point where I (couldn’t) afford it anymore, so I paid them a reduced rate, sort of like a retainer.”

-- MIMI Maumus, home.made owner

“People of color are overrepresented in service and so-called ‘essential’ industries -- I say ‘so called’ because though we applauded these brave workers at the pandemic's outset, we failed to back up that praise with material supports like higher wages, paid sick leave, and the like -- and because we disproportionately occupy these high-public-contact jobs, many more of us have gotten sick than the general population,” Parker said.

With help from the federal government’s 2021 COVID-19 Stimulus Package, Parker sees an opportunity for Athens to address the systemic issues these groups face.

“I do hope that we use the opportunity granted by the American Rescue Plan to transform some of the underlying conditions that made this crisis so acute for low-income communities so that we heal faster, but also have a different society on the other

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able to help them get the care that they need,” McConnell said.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Athens unemployment rate peaked in April 2020 at 11.2%. By January it went back down to 4.2%, and in March it hit 3.4%, approaching the 2 to 3% levels from before the pandemic.

“In April or May we hit (an 11% unemployment rate), which is awful,” Bradley said. “(Athens) had been in a short-term recession, but now we're probably not struggling (as much as a whole), but we have pockets of our community that are. Our business community, our hospitality industry and a lot of the service industry is still struggling (with unemployment).”

Despite the severity of the economic decline in some sectors, Athens as a whole has stayed afloat due to its diverse economy, dependence on UGA

and its role as a larger town in the area.

“We’re the regional urban center, and a lot of people come to work here. So we’re faring pretty well compared to others because we’re a regional center and a university town,” Williams said. “We are more than just one type of industry, so we did okay, but it really hit certain industries very hard, particularly our service industry, (and) cut down on tourism and visitors to town.”

Condor Chocolates, which already had an online ordering platform before COVID-19, expanded it and added a local pickup portal where customers could order online and come grab something from a shelf outside their Five Points location.

The business has since inhabited a niche that has flourished during the pandemic.

“Condor has been up for the year, ‘cause I think people are spending money in different ways.

They're not going to restaurants so much, but they are buying chocolate apparently,” Dale said.

“December is our biggest month by far, and we had a huge Christmas, much bigger than previous years.”

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACC government has supported individuals and businesses through avenues like providing monetary assistance, keeping water and sewer rates steady, deferring payments for occupational licenses and suspending public transportation fares.

“There was a number of things (the ACC commission) did to try and make (withstanding the pandemic) as easy as they could, things that were within their power,” Williams said. “I would (compare) the efforts they did against any local government in Georgia, for going beyond what would be normally expected. But at the end of the day, you can only do so much.”

In April 2020, the ACC government allocated financial aid to areas including business aid, indigent support aimed at homeless residents and public utility rate reduction.

Features

“We provided some funds for individual rent relief and utility needs and food, and a lot of those were local dollars that we generated through our local tax base, (which) we termed the Resiliency Package,” Girtz said. “We also benefited from some federal money that came in, but the Resiliency Package was a local effort to say we generated these dollars right here at home in Athens, Georgia and we want to support the local population with that money.”

Another form of aid was the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a federal government program that allows businesses to apply for low-interest private loans to cover payroll, rent, interest or utilities.

“The biggest (aid for my businesses) was the Paycheck Protection Program. There's been two rounds of that and it was a significant amount of money that really helped out, and then we were able to keep paying employees who may not be working full time,” Dale said. “There were also some grants from the city of Athens that not all the businesses qualified for, but (Condor’s Chocolates) did, which was really helpful, as well.”

The ACC government started the Parklet Pilot Program and the Outdoor Retail Area Pilot Project that encourage Athens residents to patronize local businesses. These projects closed off parking areas in Downtown Athens so that businesses could offer outdoor seating and shopping.

"Though we applauded these brave workers at the pandemic's outset, we failed to back up that praise with material supports like higher wages, paid sick leave, and the like."

-- MARIAH PARKER,

ACC District 2 Commissioner

“The parking spaces weren’t being used because nobody was coming downtown, so we’ve allowed (restaurants) to be permitted to bring tables there,” Williams said. “Just trying to get people to come down and be safe without creating a total party atmosphere that would jeopardize folks.”

According to Parker, support from the Athens community in certain sectors such as healthcare and housing have been instrumental in helping individuals throughout the pandemic.

“I'm really proud of the way the community has stepped up to support struggling families

throughout the last 15 months,” Parker said.

“Organizations like Mutual Aid Athens took to the streets to provide for our lowest income and unsheltered neighbors, meanwhile the ACC government approved millions of dollars in emergency food aid, healthcare support, housing assistance and other indigent services to be administered through local nonprofits like the East Athens Development Corporation and The Ark.” The National regular and community member Gary Bertsch has contributed to his community’s efforts to overcome the pandemic by donating to The National to help cover their costs of business, which includes keeping staff employed.

“Athens has made us all proud. Although there's a lot of hardship and a lot of people are suffering in this community by and large, Athens has handled it and, and done much better than most (communities) both in Georgia, in this country, and around the world,” Bertsch said. “I think that reflects the quality of the people in the community.

We have a lot of young people, we have a lot of thoughtful people in this community and people that have wanted to help out in all kinds of ways. I think that's made a real difference.” O

Below: BUSINESS ADAPTATIONS: The National in Downtown Athens is shown on May 16. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have been forced to adjust their methods of customer retention in order to stay open and afloat during the pandemic. "We always felt like there was a community aspect to our restaurants and being in the space and interacting with our staff. And so that certainly changed, because during COVID we felt like we needed to be the opposite," Peter Dale, owner of The National and co-owner of Sea Bear, Condor Chocolates and Maepole said. "We needed to not interact with people. It was such a 180 to the way we operate and think and do things." Photo by Audrey Enghauser

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improvement project East Clayton Street in Downtown Athens is undergoing renovations and remodelings which include updates to the functionality and appearance of sidewalks and the integration of public art.

F

or the past 150 years, East Clayton Street, a heavily-trafficked road with various businesses lining it, has been the center of Downtown Athens. Renovations for the area received funding in 2018, and now the Athens Clarke-County Government is updating much of the original infrastructure and design.

The renovations include refurbishing stormwater management systems, electrical lines and power lines under the street, as well as additions to the street above ground.

“In Athens, (we are) lacking long linear alleyways. We've got to provide for those kinds of functional leads on the regular street, so we've got to provide trash bins for businesses on the street. The last time that Clayton Street was reformatted in any significant way was about 60 years ago,” ACC Mayor Kelly Girtz said. “Ideas about environmental needs like stormwater management were really different in that time period, so the 1960s or ‘50s version of Clayton Street didn't include a bunch of stuff that makes it a street that works.”

According to the ACC website, these renovations make up the second phase of modern changes to the street. “(The phase two renovation has) dragged on from 2005, largely because funding wasn't adequate for the project. That funding was reinvigorated in 2018 through the passage of a (Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax), and now that money has been secured, they're able to build the things they want to build,” Athens Downtown Development Authority Director of Planning and Outreach David Lynn said.

The Red Zone co-owner Scott Towe has dealt with sidewalk renovations outside of his business, a

BY NATASHA WILLIAMS News Staffer

University of Georgia-themed apparel store on East Clayton Street.

“The construction has been so relentless that it almost seems normal. It definitely impacts our business," Towe said. "This week the sidewalk was blocked on our side of the street, next week the sidewalk will be blocked in a different location. It’s all just part of the process.”

With COVID-related restrictions on businesses in the area coinciding with these renovations, the city government expedited some aspects of the renovation process.

“Something that COVID allowed us to do is in

won't get tangled in the future,” District 3 Commissioner Melissa Link said. “Hopefully, these trees will last longer. There's all-new street furniture coming in, new trash cans, new benches, more planters with more greenery.”

Link hopes that the new street renovations on East Clayton Street will enable Downtown Athens to function in new ways.

“I perceive some of these corners (will be) able to function as public spaces in and of themselves, like little entertainment spaces that are more inviting to buskers or many outdoor events,” Link said.

“I'm hoping that this puts a new face on downtown and really encourages a more diverse clientele downtown and more diverse businesses, as well.”

Along with renovations to the infrastructure, the project also includes the incorporation of public art into the area.

“There's this really cool public art project that's going to span the whole three blocks,” Link said. “They chose (multidisciplinary artist and urban planner Eric Leshinsky) out of Austin, Texas, and he'll be installing this piece District 3 Commissioner of colorful piping that runs up and down the streetscape. It’s this playful, abstract, colorful element that runs the early months of business restrictions (was) to up the whole three-block span and pops up out of move forward a little bit faster than we would have the ground in different areas, and wraps around otherwise,” Girtz said. “That was an opportunity street furniture and other areas.” that we took advantage of to advance the project a According to Leshinsky’s Preliminary Concept bit last April and May.” for Clayton Street Public Art from October 2018, The city government began replacing curbs, he intends on creating art that merges the needs gutters and sidewalks and removing trees from the of Athenians with the culture of the town within a street in January, according to the ACC website. budget of $50,000. “(The old trees are) being replaced with species “The work is designed to complement Clayton that are more appropriate for urban environments Street by providing a form that connects all and they're being put into wells so those roots blocks within the site through a simple thread of

“I'm really hoping that (the renovations are) the catalyst for changes (so) we can have a worldclass downtown that really focuses on pedestrian activity and (houses) a diverse community where people of all ages and races and economic backgrounds can gather in public.”

-- MELISSA LINK,

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Photo courtesy of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government

Above: MAKING CHANGES: Renovations take place on East Clayton Street in Downtown Athens on March 19. According to District 3 Commissioner Melissa Link, some aspects of the renovations were unexpected. “There were also a lot of conflicts with the (space under the street). Once they opened up the street and realized what was going on underground, the project got more expensive and got way more complicated.” Link said.

Photos by Dalila Tejada

powder-coated galvanized metal pipe that bends in multiple ways, stops and starts, and creates functional shapes, as it moves along the sidewalk within a narrow area that avoids disrupting pedestrian traffic,” Leshinsky said in the proposal.

Girtz is hopeful about the outcome of the project and its effect on how downtown businesses operate.

“When all is said and done, it's going to mean that businesses are able to function better day in, day out. They'll have water lines and electrical lines that are going to be more reliable and less susceptible to damage, breakage (or) disruption. It'll also mean that it's a more attractive environment to

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hang out in,” Girtz said.

Link looks forward to a possible shift not only in East Clayton Street, but Downtown Athens holistically.

“I'm really hoping that this is the catalyst for changes where we can have a world-class downtown that really focuses on pedestrian activity and a diverse community where people of all ages and races and economic backgrounds can gather in public,” Link said. O

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ESSENTIAL EXTRACURRICULARS

Above: FINALLY IN PERSON: Members of the Clarke Central High School Hispanic Organization Promoting Education (HoPe) Club wave posters advertising their plant sale at Hendershot’s on May 1. The club has conducted few in-person activities this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. “HoPe is something that really helps me as a Hispanic because the whole goal of HoPe is to increase the graduation rate of Hispanics and other minority communities through their education,” HoPe President Roxy Peña-Pineda said. Photo by Audrey Enghauser

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges for clubs at CCHS, such as difficulties with community service engagement and attracting new members.

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irtual and limited in-person learning due to the pandemic has made it challenging for Clarke Central High School clubs to bring in new members, volunteer, coordinate meetings and maintain a sense of unity. However, many clubs are still finding ways to make an impact on their community.

Despite CCHS returning to in-person instruction five days a week, After School Programs will not continue for the remainder of the school year. Some clubs have decided not to conduct club meetings at all, such as the CCHS Young Democrats.

“All of (the officers) figured that we don't really want to go to another Zoom meeting during the week and it kind of makes it feel more like an obligation than something that's enjoyable,” Young Democrats President Penelope Merva, a junior, said.

Instead, Young Democrats have focused on social media outreach.

“We've been doing all of our activities and like outreach through social media or Instagram. So once a week we post a news update, which includes all of the biggest news stories from the past week,” Merva said. “And then we try to do an activity post about once a month.”

BY ELIZA INGLE News Staffer

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Unlike the Young Democrats, the CCHS Hispanic Organization Promoting Education (HoPe) President Roxy Peña-Pineda, a senior, hosts club meetings once a month via Zoom, which populates with three to five regular attendees.

Although it is different from club meetings in person, it provides consistency for the club. “(At) our monthly meeting, we go over a presentation. It's pretty much a theme for the month,” Peña-Pineda said. “(In February, the theme was) Valentine’s Day, so we had a Kahoot about Valentine's Day trivia, and then the (four leaders) give a motivational seminar.”

HoPe club, which specializes in leadership and community service opportunities, has faced problems attracting new members and maintaining consistent involvement.

“Now that we're online, it's not really that we can't make an impact, it's more like it's harder to (make an impact) because we can't do what we used to do,” Peña-Pineda said. “Last year, we had give or take 80 members and now we have 12. I guess it's based on how we have everything online. Our service events are online, our meeting is online, we have an online school, so this whole technology thing is exhausting.”

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Despite these limitations, club advisers and members have found ways to maintain spirit and community.

“We use the engaging curriculum that (the HoPe organization) sends us each month to promote a sense of community while we're in a virtual setting,” HoPe adviser and social studies department teacher Courtney Jones said. “During meetings, we play games, have discussions and more. Students also regularly engage with our HoPe chapter's social media.”

The CCHS Garden Club, a club that works to maintain plants around campus and engages in service opportunities, has met both virtually and occasionally in person. According to Garden Club sponsor and science department teacher Dr. Debbie Mitchell, online learning has made gardening activities more difficult.

“The first time (Garden Club) met in person (after going virtual), we sowed seeds in flats of all kinds of perennial plants that typically aren’t difficult to grow, and they survived, but the students haven’t been able to come back and care for them,” Mitchell said.

“The first time (Garden Club) met in person (after going virtual), we sowed seeds in flats of all kinds of perennial plants that typically aren’t difficult to grow, and they survived, but the students haven’t been able to come back and care for them."

-- DEBBIE MITCHELL, Garden Club sponsor and science department teacher

The CCHS FFA chapter, which engages students in opportunities in science, agriculture and business, has received resources from the University of Georgia to assist with their work and in-person meetings.

“We have tons of participation within our classes, me and Dr. Mitchell both.

We’re both very excited for what’s to come,” FFA adviser and Career Technical and Agricultural Education department teacher Levi Carr said. “I just went and picked up some flowers from the (UGA Garden Student Community Farm). We picked out some plants there that were donated to us for our greenhouse and for our students to use in class and to plant into our gardens.”

According to FFA secretary Ma Aye, a junior, virtual learning has strained the social aspect of the club.

“It's a lot different because I'm not interacting with my peers and my team.

Just making it fun and interesting for others is hard,” Aye said. “It's still fun online, but it's really important to be in person to do (activities).”

FFA continues to grow in members and has offered opportunities to students despite their setbacks.

“With the use of social media and other contacts to spread the word of our events such as our monthly meetings, fundraisers, (Career Development and Leadership Development Events) competitions, our numbers have definitely increased over time,” Carr said. “I wanted to give each of my students the same opportunities as if we were face-to-face regardless of it looking a bit different.

Success was soon to follow.”

Looking forward to next year, club advisers are optimistic that opportunities for in-person meetings will strengthen morale and engagement.

“We still plan to have virtual meetings which best accommodates our crazy schedules, but (also) host in-person events where our students can mingle and interact with one another socially distant, of course,” Carr said. “I am preparing (for there) to be tons of fun and learning experiences to be had by each (student) that passes through these doors of the CCHS Agriculture Classrooms.” O

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Above: ZOOM CLUB: Members of the Clarke Central High School Hispanic Organization Promoting Education (HoPe) club meet via Zoom at one of their spring monthly meetings.

The group has conducted mostly virtual activities in order to keep the club functioning throughout the pandemic. “COVID-19 has made gaining new members challenging, and I believe it's made the sense of community within the club a bit strained, like the virtual setting has done for all aspects of school,” HoPe adviser and social studies department teacher Courtney Jones said. Screenshots courtesy of HoPe club

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BY EMMA SCOTT Variety Editor

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Video streaming services allow viewers to explore specialized interests in entertainment, but will consequently result in becoming stuck in an echo chamber that reinforces their points of view.

treaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime appeal to niche audiences, promoting individuality, but also forming media bubbles that cause cultural fragmentation.

Television once provided blanket content that could entertain broad audiences, with options such as sit-coms, broadcast sports and news. General programming was the norm between the emergence of television in the 1940s until the popularization of Cable in the 1980s.

Since most people watched the same television series, they heard the same stories, jokes and morals. This kind of uniformity may seem harmless, but it may have contributed to unintentional cultural leveling that dulls diversity of thought.

In 2007, Netflix, originally a DVD rental website and now a mainstream entertainment platform, was the first to provide on-demand, streamable video content, creating more space for specialized content. More recently, the pandemic has led to increased viewership on these platforms. In the U.S., streaming service subscribers increased by 50% in 2020, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Video streaming services are usually subscription-based, with optional add-ons for further personalization of content (on Hulu, Spanish and Sports packages available at an additional cost.)

Suggestions for entertainment are tailored to each profile, feeding viewers more of what they want.

increases over time.

This viewer stratification is not turning out more critical thinkers -- instead, these studies show lower IQ scores as television consumption becomes more common.

There is now more ease in staying in one’s niche. Viewers can find entertainment that resonates with them and explore their identity through the characters they meet without being confronted with conflicting ideals. Streaming services even use algorithms to tailor suggestions to a viewer’s preferences.

This system locks viewers in an echo chamber of viewpoints that only confirm their beliefs, creating greater cultural fragmentation.

Economically, streaming services benefit from viewers choosing to remain in their respective bubbles. Some services even offer only one type of content across their platform, such as Disney Plus or the Hallmark Channel, further confining their consumers to their niches. For more diverse platforms such as Netflix and Hulu, viewers are still only recommended personalized content. According to The Washington Post, Netflix has amassed a total of 208 million users as of April, and at a much faster rate in just a year and a half, Disney Plus accumulated 100 million subscribers, according to The Verge.

With both new and established streaming services growing exponentially, viewers should be aware of the extreme personalization of their queues, step back and actively seek out a wider variety of entertainment. O

This system locks viewers in an echo chamber of viewpoints that only confirm their beliefs, creating greater cultural fragmentation.

It seems like video streaming services were the perfect solution to the cultural leveling problem, but they have actually pushed audiences to the other extreme.

When one’s comfort zone is made readily and infinitely available, there is never a reason to leave.

In “You are what you watch? The social effects of TV,” The New York Times cites Norwegian, Italian and American studies that show decreased engagement with other points of view as television viewing

Left: TOO COMFORTABLE: An illustration shows television consumers stuck in bubbles of entertainment that keep them in their comfort zones.

Viewers should be aware of how streaming services create cultural fragmentation between audiences.

Illustration by Lillian Sams

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COVID CINEMA

Variety Staffer Antonio Starks reviews pandemic-themed films and evaluates their relevancy to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

"LOCKED DOWN" (2021)

STORY AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY ANTONIO STARKS Variety Staffer

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n Jan. 14, the film “Locked Down”, directed by Doug Liman and written by Steven Knight, was released on HBO Max. The story follows Linda (Anne Hathaway), a fashion CEO, and Paxton (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a delivery truck driver, as the separated couple are stuck living together due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The movie starts off by showing Linda and Paxton’s troubles in their domestic and professional lives. The movie illustrates what pandemic life is like in London, with everyone’s lives overtaken by Zoom and Skype, social distancing and the frustration of witnessing other people disobey health guidelines by travelling.

The movie quickly derails as the characters attempt to steal a diamond, and the frequency of plot holes and coincidences that follow make the movie a bit rushed. However, as for the characters, the effects of lockdown on Linda and Paxton’s mindsets and behaviors are clearly depicted, portraying Linda’s relapse into smoking and drinking and Paxton’s growing dissatisfaction with life in a captivating way.

With a plotline that didn’t seem to fit what the rest of the movie was presenting itself as, the movie is less powerful as a rom-com but will serve as an interesting glimpse into life in the COVID-19 pandemic for future viewers.

"PANDEMIC" (2009)

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hen dealing with problems of the future, it’s often wise to look toward the past. The 2009 thriller “Pandemic”, available on Amazon Prime Video and directed by Jason Connery and Aaron Pope, features elements that reflect the reality of COVID-19, although much of the plot differs completely from the current crisis.

The virus in "Pandemic" is similar to COVID-19 in its alarming infection rate for humans, but much more aggressive. People currently living through the COVID-19 pandemic will wince at the lack of proper precautions

such as masks and protective suits. The only time that gloves are worn is when Veterinarian Sydney (Aesha Rucci) and Doctor Green (Kristi Culbert) investigate the cadaver of the first victim.

It can be upsetting for people who are in a pandemic now to see the amount of carelessness in this movie. The way the movie depicts the prevalence of people failing to take the necessary steps to be safe, even in a fictional world, gives a unique insight into where the world is as a society.

"FLU" (2013)

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he 2013 sci-fi South Korean Movie “Flu”, available on Amazon Prime Video, features a highly contagious virus, much like COVID-19, that is a new strain of the Bird Flu (H5N1) that can kill within 36 hours and devastates the Bundang District of Seongnam in South Korea.

The movie portrays the crisis through the eyes of Dr. Kim In-Hae (Soo Ae) and Emergency Response Team member, Kang Ji-goo (Jang Hyuk).

Viewers can paint parallels between the movie and the world today because of its social commentary on the different reactions to the viruses and how fearful and violent humans can be during a pandemic.

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The movie also shows civilians making poor choices such as recklessly endangering everyone at a hospital through unnecessary violence.

Characters are killed off due to others’ unwise decisions, and this level of extremity can be frustrating to watch while living through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Viewers can compare the story to the current real-world context, but as with most films, it portrays the world as more theatrical than real life.

Viewers may find it surreal to watch “Flu” and see their own experience with the pandemic reflected and dramatized cinematically, with scenes such as of people running in crowds, looking for a way to save their loved ones. O

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CULTURAL BUZZ Released on Feb. 19, alternative singer-songwriter Isaac Dunbar’s third studio EP “evil twin” features a fascinating fusion of pop and alternative music styles with a heavy trap influence.

The diverse sounds on the album align with the variety of emotional topics Dunbar explores throughout. The singer contrasts themes of love and anger, the angry side representing his metaphorical evil twin.

The songs “pink party”, “fan behavior” and “rendezvous” are louder with heavier instrumentation and the lyrics are much angrier, while the remaining songs have a much softer feel, with quieter instrumentation and vocals.

Dunbar draws inspiration from his previous EPs, while also introducing new themes and sounds into his music. Fans of Dubar’s previous work, as well as fans of alternative music, will certainly find this EP a unique and exciting listen.

-- Natasha Williams, News Staffer

Setting the stage for Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “WandaVision”, released to Disney Plus on Jan. 15, offers a weird and exciting viewing experience. The nine-episode series is action-packed throughout and diverges from established norms of other Marvel movies by stepping away from the traditional action movie structure.

The series gives an in-depth look into the psyche of Avenger Wanda Maximoff, starting off eerily and ending on an unexpected twist that may divide the audience.

The show features an intriguing plot that smoothly connects this upcoming era of Marvel stories to the last. However, the shortness of each episode was disappointing, and the show can be underwhelming at times if one has high expectations after watching “Endgame”.

Overall, “WandaVision” is a wonderful watch for anyone willing to try something new, but viewers should expect the series to deviate from other Marvel titles. The series makes for an entertaining superhero mystery that breaks the mold of what the Marvel Cinematic Universe can be.

-- Antonio Starks, Variety Staffer

The 10-episode Netflix original series “Ginny and Georgia”, released on Feb. 24, is an overthe-top emotional drama that lacks the maturity necessary for viewers to appreciate it.

15-year-old Ginny and her 30-year-old mother Georgia adjust to their new life in a posh Massachusetts town after years of drifting.

The suspenseful plot will keep viewers hooked, but the characters are one-dimensionally malevolent.

Each character is defined by their relationships with others and are rarely shown exploring their own skills. For example, Ginny is praised for her piano skills while she is never shown playing.

The show presents self-harm and abuse as dramatic accessories, without offering hope of real healing for the characters. Furthermore, the lack of introspection makes the characters undeveloped and selfish characters focused solely on external validation.

Viewers should proceed critically, indulging in the addictive theatrics while evaluating and rejecting the portrayal of unhealthy relationships and glorification of emotional damage.

-- Emma Scott, Variety Editor

Trench Baby

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p-and-coming Chicago rapper Lil Zay Osama released his sophomore album on Feb. 19 which can be streamed free on SoundCloud. Featuring fellow rappers Lil Tjay, Jackboy and G Herbo, the album offers complex emotional stories despite some repetitive musical elements.

The tape opens with “61st to 64th”, a catchy track with a rough beat, where Osama boasts about his toughness.

After the first track, more emotional tracks reveal the depth of the album. In “Emotions” featuring Lil Tjay, Osama pulls listeners in as he raps about various deeper experiences, including growing up on the south side of Chicago.

Osama bears his soul with the lines, I don't want emotions/ Pray for this dream come true, I gotta focus/ I was locked down in that can, feeling hopeless/ I don't want no love, that's the reason that I wrote this.

The mixtape can feel repetitive at times, with some songs blending in with the rest. Prominent on tracks such as “Disturb” and “Hurtful”, many of the beats feel overdone, with bass randomly thrown around. Osama sounds slightly like an off-brand Young Thug with overdone autotune and mumble rapping.

Overall, “Trench Baby” is an impressive sophomore tape with decent features and a couple of standout tracks. Listeners should keep their eyes out for Osama in the future as he continues to venture into the world of hip-hop. O

BY OWEN DONNELLY Journalism I Facilitator

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Variety

CULTURAL BUZZ In an ongoing war of chicken sandwiches between fast-food chains, a new sandwich has been introduced to the competition. The new McDonald’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich was released on Feb. 24 and claims to be crispier, juicier and more tender than the original McDonald’s chicken sandwich.

The well-seasoned chicken is crispy as the name suggests, but could be much crispier as it will not remind customers of the authentic fried chicken that one would normally expect.

However, on the buttered and toasted bun, the sandwich has a surprisingly great taste.

While this sandwich cannot compete with some of the best due to its lack of originality, it does live up to McDonald’s goal.

Due to the chain’s history of inconsistency, it is hard to say if the sandwich will always be good, which is important to consider when ordering this new menu item. Overall, for a price of $3.59, McDonald’s new Crispy Chicken Sandwich is worthy of a try, but might not become a new favorite menu item.

The third and final film of its series, “To All the Boys: Always and Forever”, released on Feb. 12, is a foolish movie with nothing in its predictable plot line and structure to distinguish it from other romantic comedies.

High school senior Lara Jean Covey is looking forward to the perfect college life she planned with her boyfriend, Peter. Yet when a school field trip to New York (of course), has a bigger impact on her than expected, Covey starts to imagine a different life for herself.

While it lacks depth, the finale of the “To All the Boys” trilogy is a simple movie to consume, which makes it a great option for decompressing after a long day of working from home.

This romantic comedy-drama’s ending fits with the rest of its unoriginal plot. Unfortunately for fans, there is not even a glimpse of what life after high school will look like for the couple. Overall, this predictable movie is too simple to be considered a quality film.

Sierra Leonean author Namina Forna’s debut book “The Gilded Ones'', released Feb. 9, is set in a West African-inspired world and tells a powerful feminist tale of sisterhood.

As described on Forna’s Twitter, “If the Dora Milaje from 'Black Panther' were stuck in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and decided they weren’t going to take it anymore,” this novel lives up to its promise. It explores issues such as colorism and sexism in a rich fantasy world full of captivating characters. However, because of some intense content, it may not be appropriate for those who don’t like to read violent scenes.

A story about sisterhood and found families at its heart, Namina Forna’s “The Gilded Ones” is a marvelous experience from start to finish.

Readers will cheer for Deka as she grows from the quiet, timid girl her society has taught her to be into a powerful warrior and inspirational leader.

-- Natalie Schliekelman, News Editor

-- Chloe Sears, Variety Staffer

-- Gretchen Hinger, Beat Editor

A Promised Land

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ormer President Barack Obama’s first volume of his presidential memoirs, “A Promised Land”, published on Nov. 17, 2020, recounts his first term in office in a long yet incredibly insightful book.

The 768-page book, including 12 pages of photos, tells the story of Obama’s early political aspirations, his presidential campaign in 2008 and significant moments from his first term as president.

Obama provides unique insight into the challenges associated with presidential power in vivid detail and explains his thought process for some of his national decisions such as calling his first military intervention in Libya, his administration’s deportations, the introduction of The Affordable Care Act and the 2011 raid that led to the death of Osama bin Laden.

While the book mostly tells of his presidential career, Obama also writes about his upbringing in Hawaii, his relationship with former First Lady Michelle Obama and offers his perspective on his presidential successors and other world leaders.

At times, the book can seem like a tedious read due to Obama’s in-depth recountings of virtually all aspects of his presidency. However, “A Promised Land” will keep readers captivated through Obama’s skillful storytelling and occasional witty remarks.

This memoir is sure to inspire people of all ages, but especially younger generations and those interested in politics or public service. As the first African American president, Obama’s personal account of history is riveting and unique.

With Obama’s personality shining through with his candidness, optimism and strong faith in the possibility of a better America and democracy, “A Promised Land” is a must-read for those who seek to learn about the ins and outs of Obama’s presidency and the decision-making behind pivotal moments in recent American history. O

BY ELENA WEBBER Print Managing Editor

Variety

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Featured: SUPPORTING STUDENTS: Clarke County School District food assistant Luis Hernández-López works at the Chase Street Elementary School curbside meal service on Feb. 24. Hernández-López enjoys interacting with students through his work. “I could tell them, ‘There’s a better opportunity in your life, so you don’t always have to take the short road. There’s always a chance to evaluate your choices so you will end up with better results,’” Hernández-López said. Photo by Dalila Tejada

q&A: CCSD FOOD ASSISTANT LUIS HERNáNDEZ-LÓPEZ Formerly a cafeteria worker at CCHS, CCSD food assistant Luis Hernández-López shares insight into his experience as an essential worker packaging and distributing student meals during the pandemic with Variety Staffer Isaac Ramirez.

BY ISAAC RAMIREZ Variety Staffer

Variety Staffer Isaac Ramirez: What aspects of your job as a food assistant have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

Food assistant Luis Hernández-López: Now we have to prepare meals for curbside service. That’s the (meal distribution) program for kids that do online instruction. So we’re not serving in lunch lines -- now, we’re packaging and giving (breakfast and lunch) to the students’ family. It’s very different because we don’t interact with the kids (as much) anymore. One thing that we, school nutrition employees, do is we try to interact with the students and make their day hopefully better. Some students have problems in their homes and they need a smile or something that can give them hope for the next day.

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IR: How do you believe that your personality plays into your role as a food assistant?

LH: When you understand your position and you understand what you can bring to the community, or to your job environment, you can behave in a positive way or you can behave in a negative way. I choose to be positive, and I try to be the best person I can for that opportunity to interact with a person. If you learn how to treat the person in front of you as you would like to be treated, I think it will take you a long way. It will get you more in life than what you expected. If I’m a person who can treat you the right way, you will appreciate that. And that’s one thing that sometimes we’re missing in our lives.

IR: How has the pandemic affected your work ethic and motivations to work?

LH: My work ethic is always going to be the same. I like interacting with people, especially with the kids. That is one of my strong motivations, it motivates me when I interact with kids and I can see them smile. I (used to work in) customer service, and that’s one of the things that I’m (passionate) about. That’s one of the strong sides of me, interacting with people. I’m also the pastor of (Chosen Vessels International Church in Athens), so I deal with lots of families and kids, that’s not a problem for me. One of the things (the pandemic) has helped me with is the type of interaction that I have (with students) now. If they come to the curbside location, I can have a one-on-one interaction with them.

IR: How does being the pastor of a church play into your role as a food assistant?

LH: The way pastoring is involved in what I do (as a Food Assistant) is how I interact (with students and parents). In the church, I try to help families and the youth, specifically. That’s what the ministry is focused on, the youth. So influencing the youth at CCHS, that’s what I was working on. It helps give me the opportunity to interact with them and show them, “Look, there’s some people that really care for you.” That’s what little I can do for them, in that way.

IR: Is there anything else you would like to add?

LH: The pandemic is showing me that there is more to do than what we were doing before. We always got to be prepared for things in nature that happen. It helps you to evaluate yourself as a person, before you are a worker. And the things that you have surrounding you, you learn to appreciate them more, because you never know when that time is coming. You don't know what position you (could) be in. O

Featured: SUPPORTING STUDENTS: Clarke County School District food assistant Luis Hernández-López distributes meals to students at the Chase Street Elementary School curbside meal service on Feb. 24. The service provides virtual CCSD students with breakfast and lunch. “The way that we do (the service) now, we have to prepare the meals for curbside (pickup)," Hernández-López said. "We (service students) Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We prepare the meals in the morning, and then we give them out at 11:00 a.m." Photo by Dalila Tejada

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students CULTURE PRIDE Featured: Various photos of Clarke Central High School students show the spirit of the school. With a year of virtual learning separating the school community, the school lost some much of its spirit and unity. “Schools provide a kind of a social culture, and I think that's important for students to have. And so even being in the same building, we get a feeling that we are a community,” Gladius adviser and Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) department teacher Nestor Domingo said. “I think it helps a lot in terms of mental health.” Photos from ODYSSEY Media Group Archives

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CCHS’ inclusive environment and loving community defines the school, but COVID-19 removed students and faculty from its once-bustling atmosphere.

STORY BY EMMA SCOTT Variety Editor

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rom drama club to FFA to the football team, Clarke Central High School’s culture is made up of a variety of community sectors. A year of online learning removed students and teachers away from their buzzing school pride.

As the CCHS community returns to in-person instruction, a question lingers: Did the locked doors preserve the atmosphere the school embodied over a year ago?

Administrative assistant of 20 years Linda Glenn shows her spirit for CCHS through her words to students. For the past five years until the pandemic, after Glenn had announced the bus changes on the intercom at the end of each school day, she would take a moment to ask the entire student body to, “Tell somebody you love them.”

“You always have to treat people the way you want to be treated. And that's something that I had tried to make other students (and) people in general realize,” Glenn said. “I would hope that through this pandemic, more people have become aware of how important it is to tell somebody you love them.”

LAYOUT BY NAOMI HENDERSHOT Editor-in-Chief

PHOTOS FROM ODYSSEY MEDIA GROUP AND GLADIUS YEARBOOK ARCHIVES

Junior Zaili Gantt is appreciative of Glenn’s unconditional love for the CCHS community.

“It's something about when (Glenn) is on the intercom. Everybody just loves to listen to her talk. When she says, ‘Tell someone you love them,’ it honestly makes it seem like the teachers, faculty and staff all really care about your wellbeing,” Gantt said. “She just wants to make sure that the students know that they are cared for and loved and that (she) wants to see us succeed.”

Glenn can be spotted in the front office, at football games and even at the grocery store sporting CCHS gear.

“My favorite colors have always been red and gold. I graduated from (CCHS) in 1976, so as they say, I bleed red and gold. Always a Gladiator,” Glenn said. “I will represent in the front office, any sport, club. I tell administrative assistant everyone, ‘Give me a T-shirt -- I’ll wear it on Fridays.’”

Physical education department teacher and head track and field coach Justin Jones observed a high point in school spirit among students and community members due to a streak of success in CCHS athletics in the months leading up

“I would hope that through this pandemic, more people have become aware of how important it is to tell somebody you love them.”

-- LINDA GLENN,

Featured: SPREADING COMPASSION: Clarke Central High School administrative assistant Linda Glenn sits in the CCHS Main Office at her desk. For 20 years, Glenn has spread a specific message throughout the school community. “Whenever we have our staff meeting once a month, I say something to the teachers and staff. I tell them how I love them and how is it important for them to tell somebody you love them,” Glenn said. Photo by Luna Reichert

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Above: REPRESENTING CCHS: CCHS cheerleader Nikita Laye, a senior, cheers at a CCHS football game. Cheerleader McKenna Ezekiel, a sophomore, feels that sports events at CCHS and the people involved contribute to school culture and spirit. “Cheerleaders show school spirit through social media a lot, like we have cheer pages and stuff like that,” Ezekiel said. “(We) represent Clarke Central and show how good we are at football games, and basketball games and all that type of stuff.” Photo by Krista Shumaker

to the pandemic.

“At the end of 2019, (school spirit) was pretty high. The basketball team was having success, they came off a good year. Spring of 2019, we had a couple of (track and field) state champions and a couple (athletes) finishing high in the state meet. The boys soccer program, they were rolling,” Jones said. “So school spirit was as high as it had been since I’ve been here, since 2016.”

Adaptive curriculum department teacher Jennifer Frost, who has taught at CCHS for 19 years, sees school pride as an important social tool for her students. The lack of connection to the rest of the student body has even affected adaptive curriculum students, who have attended consistent, full-day classes in person since November 2020.

“One of the easiest ways to (bring adaptive curriculum and general education students together) is through school spirit, something common that they all have,” Frost said. “Without all of those pep rallies and dances and things that foster that school spirit, it's hard to really incorporate some of my students because they just don't really have an opportunity to interact.”

For senior Ietta Veeder, bonding with peers makes up an important part of

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CCHS’ atmosphere, specifically through mutual academic support.

“I think one of the easiest ways that I feel connected to students is sharing our struggle of school. Sometimes if we all struggle on a test, I can connect (with) multiple people like, ‘Oh, me too, that was a horrible test,’” Veeder said.

Outside of academics, the pandemic has established a universal experience among CCHS community members -- a commonality that Gantt sees as a uniting force.

“We had to make it through this digital school year, and it was new for everyone. We really did a good job adapting. We were all welcome to change.

I think that's a personality trait of all of us -- we're open to change, and we can work with change and roll with the punches really well,” Gantt said.

During virtual learning, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) department teacher Kathy Erickson spoke with many students eager to get back to the school building.

“I have never made so many phone calls, so many contacts, to get people motivated and get them going,” Erickson said. “(Students) kept asking, ‘When are we going back to school? Let me go back to school.’”

Freshman teachers are responsible for guiding new high schoolers into CCHS. During online learning, Jones missed building new relationships with his physical education students through in-person interactions. “(During virtual learning), I (didn’t) get to have (relationships) with the students who I don't necessarily coach every day. I (wasn’t) getting to see those freshmen, I’m not (able to) introduce them to our school,” Jones said. “We see each other on Zoom, but that is just not the same as a lot of interactions I had with the students in the hallways, in the lunchroom, in the cafeteria.”

Throughout most of Veeder’s high school years, she was immersed in CCHS’ culture without the barrier of COVID-19.

“I felt really excited (to start attending CCHS) because there's so much energy within the school.

Everyone was doing the things that they loved.

Each person found clubs that they enjoy, or classes that they like,” Veeder said. “I think we have a great family, even though I don't talk to as many people nowadays because I'm (taking classes) online.”

Along with other athletic teams at CCHS, the cheerleading team has met in person for their games and practices. Cheerleader McKenna Ezekiel, a sophomore, is excited to be in school in person, but there are still factors that make her cheerleading experience feel abnormal.

“I've been able to go to (CCHS) because of my athletic events, (but) it's hard to have a lot of people get together and enjoy going places when there's a limit on everything,” Ezekiel said. “It's a relief to get off of your computer and actually be able to go to (school in person). It's a good thing to actually go out and see people, (even if ) with our masks on.”

As freshman Desmond Schmutte prepared to take in-person classes for the first time as a high school student, he predicted that online learning will have lasting effects on connections between peers.

“People don't really like speaking up or having their cameras on during (Zoom) class. I feel like people will be awkward when they come back,” Schmutte said. “People probably won't relate to each other as much because people change over time. I guess since people haven't been together, they haven't been able to change together.”

Now that the opportunity to learn in person is here, Gladius adviser and Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) department teacher Nestor Domingo has found that students are not as passionate about returning to CCHS campus as anticipated.

“Although (students) are doing a good job with (the return to in-person school), I think I expected more enthusiasm in terms of (being) back to the way things (were), like some facsimile of what it used to be,” Domingo said.

Instead of the Stegeman Coliseum at the University of Georgia, graduation will take place in the Billy Henderson Stadium on May 22. Reflecting on the

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change this year has brought upon the school, Jones sees the change of location as an opportunity to add something new to CCHS’ culture.

“I think that's a personality trait of all of (CCHS) -- we're open to change, and we can work with change and roll with the punches really well.”

-- ZAILI GANTT, junior

“I think (this will) start a tradition (as) our 2021 seniors are gonna get an opportunity to graduate in Billy Henderson Stadium,” Jones said. “I don't think we need to go back to UGA. I think we can have all of our students graduate right there in our stadium. They’ll throw their hats up in the air, we’ll enjoy one another there because that's our school. That's our stomping grounds. Hopefully, that's something we continue to do and not just not just for 2021.” O

Above: Clarke Central High School students laugh in front of the main entrance at CCHS, showing the culture of CCHS. The school has always had a unique and spirited environment, but the pandemic has limited the once thriving community greatly. “Academics is just one layer to Clarke Central. There’s so many. You have your academics, you have your clubs and organizations, then you have your athletics. You have school spirit when everyone comes to the games and (shows) support for different teams,” junior Zaili Gantt said. “(CCHS) is a fun community to grow with and to learn more about. I’m looking forward to a senior year when I can experience more, when things are a little bit more normal. Hopefully, we can have more events to increase our school spirit even more.” Photo from the ODYSSEY Media Group Archives

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'70s “I felt really excited (to start attending CCHS) because there's so much energy within the school -- everyone was doing the things that they loved.”

-- Ietta Veeder,

senior

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'90s

“We enjoy one another (at CCHS) because that's our school. That's our stomping grounds. And hopefully, (holding graduating at CCHS) is something we continue to do.”

-- justin Jones,

'10s

physical education department teacher and head track and field coach

Featured: SPIRIT THROUGH THE YEARS: Five photos of Clarke Central High School students spanning from the 1970s to the 2010s from the CCHS Gladius Yearbook are shown. According to physical education department teacher and head track and field coach Justin Jones, the community can withstand obstacles such as the pandemic. “One of the things I’m truly thankful for is that we’re still here. We have an opportunity and it’s our duty to go forward through the pandemic, to try to come out on the other side of this and have a positive attitude,” Jones said. “We want to be prepared when it’s over to continue to move forward. We did this together, we’re all in it together, and let’s move on.”

Photos from the CCHS Gladius Yearbook Archives

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IN FOCUS Featured: A VALUABLE PITCHER: Clarke Central High School varsity baseball player Rio Foster, a senior, pitches during a CCHS baseball game against Eastside High School on March 19. Foster has enjoyed the social atmosphere of his team particularly throughout his time playing the sport. “(The baseball team) had a great bond, always laughing, always lifting up each other, (there was) never a dull moment with this team,” Foster said. “I enjoy going to baseball everyday, I’m gonna miss this team a lot.” Photo by Luna Reichert

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committing during covid COVID-19 has increased competition for scholarships and limited recruitment opportunities for high school athletes looking to pursue their sport in college.

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uring the 2021 college recruitment season for high school sports, student-athletes across the country are facing various COVID-19 restrictions throughout the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) recruitment process.

During recent Clarke Central High School sports seasons, athletes have navigated restrictions on in-person recruitment opportunities after shortened sports seasons while colleges increase opportunities for athletes already competing at the collegiate level.

“We've been averaging about seven, eight people (getting recruited to a college for football) every year in the last five years, and it was about the same (this year),” varsity football coach David Perno said. “But having said that, we also had more seniors than we've had (in years past). So in essence, there was a couple (athletes) that probably in other years would have (gotten) opportunities that probably didn't this year because of COVID.” Many high school sports teams in the U.S. were unable to play full seasons due to the pandemic. Locally, the CCHS track team missed the second half of their spring 2020 season. According to head track and field coach and physical education department teacher Justin Jones, this had a notable impact on the Class of 2021 in particular.

“As a junior, there's a lot of recruiting trips that you take, you try to build relationships with coaches, things of that nature, and they want you to be on their campus so they can see what (you’re) doing,” Jones said. “A lot of our athletes, especially here at Clarke Central, did not get the chance to perform in their junior year, which is a critical year.”

CCHS track and field runner Lashanti Williams, a senior, was a junior when the season was cut short but feels that she has since made up for her losses.

“I feel like (missing part of the 2020 season) pushed me back more because I wasn’t able to compete or train, so it messed my training up a little and my times -- (they are not) where I want them to be at this time,” Williams said.

“But other than that, it's good because now I'm able to run again, train again and do everything else, so now I just had to make up for all the lost time and everything.”

In order for a student to get recruited for football, sufficient experience is important as athletes must send college coaches a highlight film of some of their best plays throughout their athletic career.

“All their games are recorded so they go into something called ‘Hudl’. Every play from every game is recorded, and that's how (college coaches) go view their film,” CCHS football recruitment coordinator Brian Allen said. “You can basically go through every game you played in, every play you can, and the idea

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Featured: COMMITTING TO LIMESTONE: Clarke Central High School varsity football defensive back Scotty Randolph, a senior, signs his letter of intent to Limestone University at CCHS’ college signing day on Feb. 3. This school year, the Class of 2021 Gladiators faced changes to the recruitment process, but according to head varsity football coach David Perno, skilli has remained the ultimate indicator for scholarships. “The recruiting, and the social media, and I think it's much more of a distraction for these kids,” Perno said. “They just need to realize that they're a really good player, if they're a solid student and a really good player, they don't need to do all that stuff.

It's gonna take care of itself.” Photo by Luna Reichert

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Above: FACE OFF: Clarke Central High School varsity football wide receiver Jairus ‘Nono’ Mack, a senior, takes a hit from a defensive player on the Cedar Shoals High School varsity football team in the Waters-Wilkins Stadium.

Mack experiences difficulties in the recruitment process due to the lack of in-person opportunities. “I think it was harder (to get recruited) because you couldn't go see (the college coaches), (they’re) pretty much relying on your film from the previous year like your highlights and stuff.” “You got to pass your eye test, the eye test is how you look and stuff, and they couldn’t really see me -- the only way they see me is what they see on film.” Photo by Luna Reichert

is to put together about a four-to-five-minute long highlight film.”

Division I Council has remained in a dead period since March 2020, banning While seniors on the football team played their full fall season in 2020, the in-person contact between college coaches and high school athletes for all class was not able to play half of their spring football season or get experience sports. at summer football camps in 2020. According to Allen, these camps in particular “( Without in-person recruiting), you essentially have (college coaches) are important improvement opportunities for athletes. making what we call a blind offer, basically they’re offering (a spot to) a young “If a person becomes a four or man they've never actually seen in five star type of athlete, they've been person because they haven't been going to these camps since eighth able to come to the school,” Allen grade,” Allen said. “(Some athletes) said. “(Coaches would usually want never got the opportunity to go and to) get an idea of (the athlete’s) compete outside a normal football size, they want to make sure that schedule. (Last summer), they the student-athlete is the height and (couldn’t) go to a camp and compete weight you're looking for, and maybe against some of these four or five-star the speed.” kids out of the metro-Atlanta area, As a result, varsity football wide South Georgia and other states.” receiver Jairus “Nono” Mack, a senior, Conversely, with another year on was unable to officially tour his choCCHS football recruitment coordinator sen Division I college in person. the team ahead of him, varsity football safety Renardo Faust, a junior, “I went to (the University of North does not see his lack of on-field time in 2020 impacting his college plans.

Carolina at Charlotte) for a football camp a few years ago, (but) I didn't get (to “I don't think (less experience) will have that much of an impact because see) the whole school. I only got to see the football facility and stuff like that. So (7-on-7 football) season is starting back up and football camps, and also we'll be I didn't get to see dorms, the classes and all that,” Mack said. able to play spring football, so there (will be) more film,” Faust said. “Also, colProspective athletes in Division I have instead turned to online recruiting lege coaches are taking (into) consideration that kids didn’t get to play (in some opportunities to find their next team. For example, while Twitter also played parts of 2020), so they go off of either what they did their sophomore year, or a a key role in recruitment prior to COVID-19, the social media platform has lot of kids went to showcase football games where they got film there.” allowed high school athletes to market themselves more easily amid the lack Student-athletes have also faced restrictions on connecting with college of in-person opportunities by reaching out to coaches directly and showing coaches -- a central part of the recruitment process. According to ESPN, the college recruiters the work they do year-round.

“You essentially have (colleges) making what we call a blind offer, basically they’re offering (a spot to) a young man they've never actually seen in person because they haven't been able to come to the school.”

-- BRIAN ALLEN,

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Sports

“Twitter is everything for recruitment. You gotta set your page right, you gotta follow the coaches you want to go to, you gotta make sure you don’t do nothing stupid on there. Twitter is everything, like you, gotta have it,” Mack said. “That's pretty much the only way you can send your highlights to the coaches.”

Some recent changes within the NCAA have given certain opportunities to college athletes during the pandemic. According to a Sports Illustrated article about a recent change to the college transfer portal system, a tool that helps student-athletes switch colleges, the NCAA decided that college athletes transferring to Division I schools can join their college sports team immediately as of Dec. 16, 2020, instead of waiting a year before competing.

“With the emergence of the (immediate) transfer portal, high school kids, unfortunately, suffer more than (anyone) else.

Because you got so many student-athletes transferring from one school to another, the colleges are often going to the transfer portal to pull recruits where they would normally go straight to the high school,” Allen said.

Additionally, the NCAA granted college seniors extended eligibility which will allow them to continue competing on their team for one extra year, according to the Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) website. This will apply regardless of whether the team played their season in 2020 and extend through the spring of 2020-21 at most, dependent on the division.

“So many colleges didn't play this fall, therefore, all their seniors or other people that were maybe exiting the program are now granted another year on aid, so a lot of scholarships that usually were available were not. So, the turnover wasn’t there,” Perno said.

For some prospective college athletes, this lack of turnover has forced them to seek placement in a different division.

“What you really saw was people (who) typically might be a Division 1 prospect, sometimes they may drop down to a Division II player because the colleges are getting the transfer portals or junior college players,” Allen said.

According to Faust, one result of the many changes to college sports recruitment involves high school athletes choosing a different post-high school athletic route.

“The NCAA made a rule where they're gonna give all the kids (extended eligibility), but for high school there was like nothing to go on, so a lot of kids are going to prep school now,” Faust said. “So a lot of varsity football wide receiver, a senior D1 schools already got in mind who they want, so a lot of them are going to prep school to try to get an extra year, get more experience and more film.”

Considering the online tools colleges and athletes have adjusted to this year, Jones suggests there may be a more positive long-term effect.

“I think (COVID-19) is going to make a way for innovation in recruitment because now, you don't have to necessarily come on campus anymore,” Jones said. “We can do it one way, and we can also do it the traditional way. So with challenges, there are new opportunities, and I think that's what this pandemic has done for a lot of people.” O

“Twitter is everything for recruitment. You gotta set your page right, you gotta follow the coaches you want to go to, you gotta make sure you don’t do nothing stupid on there. Twitter is everything, like you gotta have it.”

-- JAIRUS 'NONO' MACK,

Above: MOVING UP: Members of the Clarke Central High School varsity football team that were recruited to various colleges stand in the Competition Gym on CCHS’ college signing day on Feb. 3 with varsity football defensive coordinator Justin Jones (far left) and head varsity football coach David Perno (far right). In total, nine CCHS football players signed to a college at the event. “ (A coach) offered me a scholarship to go (to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte), and from then on he kept talking to me, making me feel welcome and stuff, making me feel wanted,” varsity football wide receiver Jairus “Nono” Mack, a senior (second from right), said. Photo by Luna Reichert

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POwer under pressure

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The focus and intensity that soccer requires has powered Owen Barnett's determined mindset as a goalie.

BY CAROLINA TURNER Sports Staffer

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larke Central High School boys varsity soccer goalkeeper Owen Barnett, a freshman, derives passion from the pressure of a soccer game -from the crowd, from the team and from the thrilling possibility of victory.

Owen's soccer skills began developing as a 5-year-old while playing for the Athens United Soccer Association, always as the goalie.

After making the team, Owen was immediately welcomed into the inviting atmosphere of the CCHS boys varsity soccer team, even as a freshman. With a warm community of like-minded athletes, he became comfortable and excited to compete.

As he assumed his position on the field for his first high school soccer game, seeing the large crowd gave Owen an unfamiliar tug of anxiety. His hands shook as he settled into the game at the goal and allowed the pressure, the stakes and the adrenaline sink in.

“I was so nervous. My hands were shaking because this was the first time I played in front of the big stadium with people filled,” Owen said. “I wasn’t used to that, and it was really nerve-wracking.”

His sharp focus throughout the game improves his quick decision-making skills, and the spirited crowd’s presence only boosts Owen's athletic confidence.

His sharp focus throughout the game improves his quick decision-making skills, and the spirited crowd’s presence only boosts Owen's athletic confidence.

When dealing with hardships throughout his soccer career such as having to take responsibility for goals he failed to block, Owen stays motivated to better his abilities by channelling external pressure into energy and adrenaline.

“What separates me from a lot of people, I think, is when I make a mistake, I just get back up and try to not make that mistake again and get better,” Owen said.

Soccer has become an important part of Owen’s life, shaping the way he views diligence and dedication. In his pursuit to build up his soccer skills and abilities, he has found a way to overcome the sport’s demands and use them as power instead. O

Featured: BLOCKING THE GOAL: Varsity boys soccer goalie Owen Barnett, a freshman, blocks a goal in the Billy Henderson Stadium on Feb. 28. In preparation for a soccer game, Barnett lets the pressure of the crowd sink in. “When I'm just on the field in front of everybody, it really gives me enthusiasm,” Barnett said.

“It strikes me to get better and better because I don't want to let all the people down watching me.” Photo by Luna Reichert

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PRIORITIZING NEW PLAYERS

BY ISABELLA BAKER-JOHNSON Sports Editor

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The NCAA should make changes to the recruitment process for football to allow high school athletes more opportunities to overcome COVID-related setbacks and compete at the collegiate level.

ith last year’s spring football and 7-on-7 summer football camps cancelled, the Class of 2022 Gladiator football players will enter their senior year with less experience under their belts for the recruitment season.

In the 2021-22 school year, the National Collegiate Athletic Association should refocus their efforts on recruiting high schoolers instead of athletes already at the collegiate level.

Current juniors missed chances to improve their skills and gain experience, which could put them at a disadvantage when getting recruited for football.

According to the official South Eastern Conference website, the SEC canceled all in-person summer camps, which provide an opportunity for college coaches to see high school athletes competing outside of their regular season.

Also, due to the lack of in-person recruiting this year in Division I, many athletes turned solely to online networking opportunities during their crucial junior year, a time when athletes gain experience and initial contact with recruiters. The NCAA plans to reinstate regular in-person recruitment in Division I on June 1, which is an important step in regaining normalcy that will benefit high school athletes.

However, the NCAA must do more to prioritize incoming high schoolers.

The addition of extended eligibility allows college seniors to remain on their

team after graduating in order to account for season losses in the pandemic, according to the Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) website. The extended year will last through the winter season of 2022 for the top two divisions.

This unfairly advantages college seniors who have already received a college athletic and academic experience, whereas many high schoolers trying to get recruited would be unable to play on a quality college team at all if they are not prioritized for a spot.

It is essential that high school athletes have every opportunity to get recruited to receive a postsecondary education.

According to an article in The Chattanooga Times Free Press, many scholarships given to high school seniors are only guaranteed for one year. Meanwhile, colleges must also accommodate scholarships for these college seniors staying for at least another season. Such competition against established college players will further limit the collegiate athletic opportunities of current high school athletes.

According to Scholarship Stats, only 8.9% of high school football players go on to compete in college. For the Clarke County School District with a poverty rate of 28%, which is double the national average according to the district, a spot on a college team can provide a chance to escape poverty and progress in society.

It is essential that high school athletes have every opportunity to get recruited to receive a postsecondary education.

There are only a certain amount of spots on college teams available, and the NCAA should direct them toward high school athletes who could use the opportunity to better their future. O

Featured: CHOOSING PLAYERS: In an illustration, the National Collegiate Athletic Association is depicted as a person deciding which jar, representing a type of athlete, to give money to. The NCAA should focus on recruiting high school athletes in order to make up for the disadvantages the group in particular has faced due to COVID-19. Illustration

by Frances Thrasher

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April 2021

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things to know about HEAD BASEBALL COACH NICK WEGMANN'S BASEBALL PHILOSOPHY

BY NICK WEGMANN, AS TOLD TO LUKAS CORNISH

1. Motivated by family Anybody that's in your immediate family or distant family that you see doing something, (that's) usually the thing that you can look up to. My dad played football in high school, and then my mom played basketball. Then my sister (played) basketball throughout high school and a couple of other sports as well. There (were) a lot of motivating factors around that I look towards and see that that was something I wanted to do when I got (to high school).

2. No shortcuts

The biggest thing for me I've learned over my years in sports is no matter if it's outside of the sport, just regular life, or if it's in the sport, whatever you're doing -- football, baseball, basketball or soccer -- you have to work for whatever you want. Nothing is ever going to come to you or (be) given to you. You need to earn everything that you want to achieve in life, so just work hard.

3. Hands-on approach

I don’t know if hover is the right word, but I like to be around, so when something does happen and it isn’t right, I go ahead and fix it at the moment instead of letting it linger, and maybe it gets out of my hands or maybe it gets out of the players' hands. I like to teach in the moment. I do this so we can correct those mistakes or errors (and) explain why something needs to happen.

4. A focus on the basics

To grow my players, I like getting to teach them in-game moments. Then also practice, trying to perfect those little fundamentals that can help you to stick to a game. I think the one thing that has helped our players so far is focusing on those little fundamentals. So as long as you're doing those, you're going to be successful about 90% of the time, instead of trying to do too much outside of yourself.

5. Relating to players

A lot of times I like to veer from trying to throw my past experiences out because the biggest thing that I've learned in the 10 years that I've been coaching high schools is that every year you're getting different kids. Back when I played, even though it was only 10 to15 years ago, it was a different style, different circumstances, and all that stuff. I really like to relate to them, try to teach them and motivate them in the now. O Featured: EARLY INTEREST IN COACHING: Clarke Central High School head baseball coach and CCHS Class of 2007 alumnus Nick Wegmann stands on the CCHS baseball field during practice. Previously an assistant coach at CCHS, Wegmann transitioned to head coach for the 2020-21 spring season. “Ever since I started playing high school sports, I knew I wanted to get into coaching once I was done playing,” Wegmann said.

“I ended up playing four years of college baseball (at Emmanuel College), and right when I graduated from college, I ended up coming right back (to Athens to) coach football and baseball.” Photo by Naomi Hendershot

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Star P layers0 ODYSSEY Star Players GIRLS TENNIS

Photo by Luna Reichert

AYDAN O'CONNOR

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JOCELYN RAY Grade: 12 GPA: 3.9 Years of experience: I've played tennis ever since I was little, it's kind of a thing with my family. But I started freshman year (on the CCHS team).

Game day ritual: For me myself, I try and get some kind of good nutrients and then probably drink a Gatorade. I always drink one before game.

Favorite memory: There was this one bus ride. I think we're coming home from probably Buford, (Georgia), and it was just like an all day tournament, it's just so much fun. And on the bus ride back, even though we didn't win or anything, we were all just so happy and we went out to eat as a team and we were playing music on the bus.

Role Model: "Probably (assistant tennis coach Luke Slaboda).

He is more of like a close friend than a coach, but he's also really good at tennis and so I look up to him 100 percent."

What coaches say: "Obviously her play in an important position makes Jocelyn an asset, but more importantly, she is a great teammate. She supports the players around her and makes them better."

--Elliot Slane, head tennis coach

ODYSSEY Star Players VARSITY BOYS SOCCER

Photo by Audrey Enghauser

Grade: 12 GPA: 3.2 Years of experience: 14 Game day ritual: My game day ritual is meditation and visualization.

Favorite memory: When my teammate Andrew Robinson scored the winning goal against Lanier High School in the last 30 seconds of the game.

Role Model: My role model in the sport is (German soccer player) Mesut Özil.

What coaches say: “He is not afraid to hold teammates accountable and that is a skill that many high school players are not able to develop. Aydan wants to win so badly that he is willing to hold even his best friends accountable, if they are not living up to the expectations of the soccer program.”

-- Chris Aiken, head boys varsity soccer coach

ODYSSEY Star Players are selected based on their academic standing and commitment to teammates, their sports program and Clarke Central High School. Star Players are written for each issue by the Sports Staff based on interviews with players and coaches.

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