Welcome Letter

David Ragsdale, Adviser

Dear honored guests,

On behalf of the ODYSSEY Media Group, it is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all of you who have joined us for the 20th Annual ODYSSEY/iliad Banquet.

This special event brings together parents, boosters, alumni, and VIPs to celebrate the accomplishments of our talented student journalists. We are honored to have such distinguished guests in attendance, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support of our journalism program. In particular, I’d like to call special attention to the Campbell Family for their years of support and for sponsoring the Lorien Awards to recognize our creatives at CCHS, as well as Ms. Peggy Galis for continued sponsorship of the program.

As we gather this afternoon, we must take a moment to reflect on the achievements of our students over the past year. We are immensely proud of the hard work and dedication they have demonstrated in producing exceptional journalism, and we celebrate their success in bringing important stories and issues to light in our community.

We are also grateful to the dedicated Booster Club officers and Alumini Relations Committee who have worked tirelessly to support our journalism program and provide our students with the guidance and mentorship they need to succeed. Without their tireless efforts, our program would not be where it is today. Likewise, heartfelt thanks go out to our parent/guardian volunteers who have supported our cause through volunteering time at football games, providing meals or snacks and chaperoning our trips this year. Beyond material contributions, your unflagging support of the students is a keystone of our organization. Thanks go out to Kate Kohler –her counsel, encouragement, and support are immeasurable.

Additional welcome and thanks go out to our school and district administrators, as well as BOE members who provide access, insight and time to allow the students to produce quality, informed content. Beyond their transparency, their continued financial support of the program must be acknowledged.

Recognition must also be given to the students who make up the backbone of the program. We would not be here without them and their pursuit of excellence. It’s a marvel to behold the progress this program and its students have made over the last 20 years. In particular, I’d like to commend our seniors whose high school experience was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their resilience and commitment to one another, their craft and their school has set a bar for years to come.

Once again, we extend our warmest welcome to all of our guests, and we hope that you enjoy this special afternoon of celebration and recognition. Thank you for being a part of our community and for your continued support of our journalism program.