ODYSSEY Newsmagazine Volume 7, Issue 1

Billy Henderson: A legendary tribute to the coach Table of Contents

October 2009

ODYSSEY

Phil Lanoue

Volume 7 Issue 1 Oct. 2009 $3.00

Featured Stories: Dress code confusion Learning about the non-negiotables Set sail on the Mayflower Rumbles in Region 8-AAAA

Meet the new superintendent ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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Table of Contents

October 2009

Cover Story

20 Photo by Lexi Deagen

Dr. Philip Lanoue begins his first year as the Clarke County School District’s Superintendent with a goal for improvement in schools.

As an avowed man of change, Lanoue has taken action quickly to ensure the sucess of the district’s students.

Viewpoints

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News

17

Focus

18

Variety

26

Sports

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Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Left: THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA: Dr. Philip Lanoue, a 53-year-old educator originally from Vermont, brings administrative experience from schools in New England, as well as in Georgia. “To some, I’m probably pretty nomadic and it’s not easy, I came from Boston to Georgia and didn’t know a soul,” Lanoue said.

Sophomore Raven Flanniken is known around the halls of Clarke Central High School. Whether it be rapping, his orange jacket or his rolling bookbag.

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This past summer, Jennifer Chastain flew to Africa to visit a child that her husband, Matt, was sponsoring. During the visit, Jennifer developed a bond with a child in need and has been helping her ever since.

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Everyone has heard the word “furlough” tossed around in the hallways, but what exactly does it mean? Teachers across the state are experiencing this pay-cut as an effect of the suffering economy.

Left: ALL LEGENDS LIVE ON: Former Clarke Central High School football coach Billy Henderson visited the school and the football stadium, which was named after him, to be honored for all of his accomplishments.

After 61 years of serving Athenians, the Mayflower Restaurant is still thriving in downtown Athens.

Established in 1948, the Mayflower is one of the oldest family-run restaurants in Athens.

Longtime football coach Brock Miller traded long nights at school, summer training camps and a bond with the players to be able to watch his sons grow up.

Cover photo by Lexi Deagen Cover design by F. Tyler Elrod

15 Above: WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?: (From left) Seniors Chessie Chavis and Caitlin Wharton, members of the Academic Internship Program, assist University of Georgia intern Dana Hindman adminster a vaccination to a puppy, Noah, at the Veterinary Sciences building. “This has been a really great experience. We learn things from how to hold dogs to how to give shots,” Chavis said.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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Staff

October 2009

Editor-in-Chief: F. Tyler Elrod Managing Editor: Lexi Deagen Senior Copy Editor: Lauren Corcino Hal Hager Graphics/Design Editor: Alexander Morris Public Relations Manager: Victoria Bambo Viewpoints Editor: Killian Begnaud News Editor: Emily Allen Features Editor: Lauren Pruitt Variety Editor: Kinsey Clark Sports Editor: Jeffery Rogers Photography Editor: Isabel Atkinson Staff Writers: Alexander Boza, Courtney Brown, Ariella Cross, Claire Dennis, Katie Downs, Alexa Friedman, Fakari Gresham, Chris Harper, Sallay Jabbie, Lily Kohn, Marisa Mustard, Olivia Murphy, Carlo Nasisse, Kayli Read, Dylan Reeves, Tamar Schmidt, Mollie Sherman, Jesse Siebentritt and columnist Gaytri Setia Advisor: David Ragsdale ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE Clarke Central High School 350 S. Milledge Avenue Athens, Georgia 30605 Phone: (706) 357-5200, Ext. 17370 Fax: (706) 357-5269

“Haha, can’t tell me nothing,” Kanye West boasts in his 2007 single ‘Can’t Tell Me Nothing’.

Well, West certainly can’t heed his own words. On September 13, 2009 West waltzed onto main stage at the Music Television Video Music Awards and let his infamous mouth, known for its reckless abandon, loose.

West let it be known that he thought Beyoncé Knowles had a better music video than country star Taylor Swift, the winner of the Best Female Video award. In front of thousands of viewers and hundreds of attendees,West mercilessly humiliated Swift. After his rant, he simply handed the mic back to Swift and took his seat.

West had done exactly what it was he had set out to accomplish: bring the spotlight back onto his selfacclaimed genius.

West even managed to garner the attention of one Barack Obama.

When asked what he thought of the rapper’s antics, President Obama had the perfect response ready: Jackass.

Oddly enough, it was an elephant, not a jackass, who caused an uproar Above: UNRULY CELEBRITIES : Kanye four days prior during President West, Serena Williams and Joe Wilson all Obama’s address to Congress. During made news through their outbursts of disrethe speech, Obama mentioned that spect -- from humiliating a teenage country healthcare would not be available to star at the Music Television Video Awards to shouting at the President during his address illegal immigrants. That was when, to the Congress. just like West, Republican representative Joe Wilson from South Carolina, chose to take the spotlight and focus it on himself.

“You lie!” Wilson shouted. Within minutes bloggers were uploading responses to the event, and within the next day major news channels like Fox News and Cable News Network featured stories covering the incident.

As if both a disrespectful politician and musician weren’t enough to get the media riled up, tennis all-star Serena Williams pulled a stunt of her own.

During her semi-final match with Kim Clijsters on Sept. 12, 2009, Williams let loose a tirade that sent a line judge running. Along with the judge went the match, as Clijsters was awarded the win because of Williams’ outburst.

With this came the trifecta; a sports star, musician, and politician all showing disregard for anyone but themselves, all in the span of a week. Impressive.

The message these public figures have sent is that it is OK to disrespect other people. That it is OK to make a teenage country star cry. That it is good sport to send an official running for the hills. That it is OK to interrupt the highest authority in the United States while he addresses some of the most well-respected men and women in the country.

Most high school students wouldn’t flat-out call their principals liars. Nor would they shout expletives at officials in the middle of a football game or take over someone’s act at the talent show. The penalty for a transgression on those levels would, in most cases, be suspension. But it seems as if a little bit of money and power put some figures above society’s moral barometer.

A show of disrespect within the public eye does nothing but breed corruption and hate. We definitely don’t need anymore negatives, what with all these liars, nearsighted officials and not-nearly-perfect-enough music videos airing live for the whole world to see.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Cartoon by Katie Downs

The ODYSSEY is published monthly. Published opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of anyone other than the staff.

The ODYSSEY is a student produced newsmagazine, published with the intent to inform, entertain and give voice to the Clarke Central High School community, as well as to educate student journalists. Each issue is an open public forum for student expression under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

Student journalists are provided with opportunities to investigate, inform, interpret and to evaluate: all traditionally accepted functions of the press in America.

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 by 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.

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Viewpoints

October 2009

Letters to the Editor Angel in the outfield This article, “Angel in the outfield,” really touched me. I am so surprised how Zack Kirk tried to fight for his life as best as he could. I’ve always been told, “Sometimes the thing that you really love, you just have to let go. Everything happens for a reason.” I am so impressed how the baseball team stuck with their coach until the end, and that’s what you call a team.

I believed that there was something about the baby and the baseball team that was worth it. The saying “You really don’t know who your true friends are until something bad happens,” it had a great part of this story and, like I said, the coach finally found out who his true friends were.

-- Grace Clift, junior Above: Our readers critique the May 2009 issue.

Are you experienced?

On the outside looking in

I read the article you wrote on Jimi Hendrix and enjoyed it. I’m glad that you shared with us a part of history that often affects the way the music we listen to today is created. The most I ever knew about this great guitarist/musician was that he was just that, a great guitarist/musician. Through reading your article I found his origin, how he began and that he played his guitar upside down with the strings reversed. I will soon go and listen to his songs and possibly get inspired.

I enjoyed the article “On the outside looking in.” The article had a good perspective on what the life of a high school athlete is really like.

Everything that was said was something I could relate to because I am a student athlete myself. Like Coach Gary said, it’s hard to hear that you can’t play a sport because of your grades. All my life I’ve heard “No eligibility, no play.” When I began playing for Clarke Central High School’s freshman football team I started to realize that I was in the big leagues now.

I knew that I had to start taking what I was being taught in the classroom seriously. I

-- Nigel Jackson, junior

Dear readers, The ODYSSEY welcomes your feedback, input and letters.

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. Mail letters to the address below or drop off at the main office care of the ODYSSEY. Sincerely,

F. Tyler Elrod, Editor-in-Chief

don’t want to be the guy who is a superstar on the field but an idiot in the classroom. I am striving to graduate in the top of my class in 2013.

I know that I need to push myself on and off the field to do my best, and that is what I got from reading that article.

-- Bryce Elam, freshman

The thing about sexting I disagree with the liability of being charged as a sex offender for sending a picture of yourself, no matter how explicit it is. It is wrong. It is that person’s choice if they want to expose their body to another boy/girl. I don’t think the person should be charged with a felony and possibly do 20 years jail time for something simple as sending a picture of themselves when it was a personal decision. There are cases in which the girl is being pressured into sending nude or semi-nude pictures of herself to others but I believe the person that’s pressuring her into doing it should be punished for harassment.

-- Danielle Sharp,

senior

Controversies of the “nword” I enjoyed the article, “Controversies of the N-word,” because it is a huge topic that many people are afraid to take a stand on. Each author wrote very passionately and I enjoyed reading each side.

Every time the subject of racism is brought up in a conversation, the common reactions are to shy away from it or to blow the situation out of proportion.I was exuberated to find a calm, rationalized and well-researched argument over one of the biggest controversies today. The response of my classmates to the question of who uses the N-word was very interesting to me. It raises the question of who uses the N-word out of racism and who uses it as a social normality.

-- Ethan Davis, senior

Jittery Woes The article, “Jittery Woes,” is yet another example of poor planning by administrators. Before spending all the money constructing the coffee shop in the media center maybe our administrators should have double-

checked a few things and made more precise plans. Tax payer money was essentially flushed down the toilet for a coffee shop that reduces the media center’s capacity for books and doesn’t even work! Maybe next time they should re-think it and put that money towards more important issues like getting more students to graduate.

-- Elizabeth Morris, senior Corrections/Omissions May 2009 On pg. 50, the “Running without borders” picture taken by Hal Hager On pg. 50, the “Running without borders” photo illustration by Alex Morris On pg. 51, the “Nicholas Pope star players” photo taken by Cassie Evans On pg. 54, the “Kicking the dogs” picture taken by Isabel Atkinson The ODYSSEY staff apologizes for any errors or omissions in our content. We appreciate our readers’ support and understanding as we strive to make corrections.

Sincerely, The ODYSSEY staff

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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October 2009

Viewpoints

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

Photos by Alexander Boza

Dawning of Lanoue day The Clarke County School District’s new superintendent Philip Lanoue wants to zero in on the issues hindering the graduation rate.

Hop aboard the internship The Academic Internship program gives students a new opportunity to go off campus and into the real world for hands-on learning.

The Kenya connection Jennifer Chastain traveled to Kenya this past summer with her husband, Matt, and bonded with the children they encountered there.

Bringing back Billy Fourteen years after retiring from CCHS as its winningest football coach, Billy Henderson was honored by former players, coaches and the community. Gracious as ever, Henderson still put the spotlight on his players instead of himself.

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You snooze, you lose According to Clarke Central High School’s revised tardy policy, students who have 10 tardies land in InSchool Suspension. We get it, we just don’t like missing additional class time.

No mo’ furlough This year, teachers find themselves working without pay on three planning days.

Since Governor Perdue proposed budget cuts, hundreds of CCSD employees have felt the pinch.

Restless in the cemetery The Brooklyn Cemetery is the final resting place for an estimated 1,000 AfricanAmerican Athenians. Efforts to clean the plot and to identify the more than 700 unmarked graves present slow going.

Dove takes wing Award winning poet Rita Dove will be in town this month, but why doesn’t anyone know her work?

Our Take T

he state of Georgia is in a $900 million deficit heading into the 2009-10 school year. What was the answer for the gaping hole left in state finances?

For Georgia Governor, Sonny Perdue – furloughs.

A furlough is a working day without pension targeted at -- in this instance -- all Clarke County School District employees. Out of the three scheduled furlough days for teachers this year, two of them took place during pre-planning, a crucial time for teachers to align their lesson plans and make preparations for the fast-approaching school days.

Furloughing is only one of the many desperate patchwork attempts made by the state of Georgia in order to slowly scrape away the accumulating deficit.

According to CCSD Superintendent Philip Lanoue, three percent budget cuts were imposed on every public school in the state.

As a result, 7.5 teaching positions were let go from Clarke Central High School last year due to the mandated school budget cuts, and those that were not faced cuts in salary and in their retirement accounts.

Students can also feel the tangible effects of the state policy as it trickles down to us at Central. The amount of copies teachers have been given are reduced from 10,000 to 5,000, forcing teachers to pick out of their own pockets to provide students with the materials and notes they need. The Physical Education department, containing some 70 CCHS students, are taking hits in lack of equipment. Art teachers are struggling to acquire enough supplies to adequately hold class.

It is obvious that the deficit needs to be paid back, but the idea of the public education system pouring valuable resources in to this screeching black hole is ludicrous.

Educators and students shouldn’t have to pay the price for the state government’s oops. Public education is a source of enrichment for children all across the state; it’s not the Georgia piggy bank to be shaken every time there is a bump in the road.

Although Perdue’s three furlough days will help conserve nearly $100 million state-wide, it is the long-run effect that is frightening. There isn’t an immediate ending in sight to the furlough days. State institutions like the University of Georgia have already gone to 10 furlough days for professors in order to save funds.

The continuation of this policy is nearly certain. Once state leaders see that educators can take the hit, continuing to milk the proverbial cash cow won’t be a problem. It will become a routine as opposed to becoming a temporary measure to reach a financial stablitity.

The need for balance in the state budget is an important goal. However, temporary objectives should not come in the way of the enhancing the state’s public education.

Photo illustration by Tyler Elrod

Above: DOLLA’, DOLLA’ BILL Y’ALL: With the recent national economic crisis, Georgia Governer Sonny Perdue has decided to put into effect three furlough days in order to help the state of Georgia’s $900 million deficit.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Viewpoints

October 2009

Life of JROTC

Unclear code

Clarke Central High School’s JROTC program does more than march in place.

The revised dress code at Clarke Central High School has led to some confusion.

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Photo courtesy of William McMickle Photo illustration by Alex Morris

Above: ATTENTION: As Clarke Central High School senior Cortney Thomas and junior Taylor Maddox march for the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Color Guard, they learn that JROTC is more about working as a team than just being one.

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ace it, everyone has a different idea of what constitutes a modest outfit. Yet, the Clarke Central High School dress code policy states students may not wear an “article of dress that is considered disruptive or indecent.”

“There are parents and people in the community who walk into (CCHS) and walk into my office and say, ‘How can you

By Alexa Friedman allow students to dress like that?’” CCHS Viewpoints Writer principal Dr. Robbie Hooker said.

Hooker’s right. The dress code should require students to dress appropriately without disrupting the learning environment or by looking vulgar.

However, the dress code at CCHS is too broad in its attempt to settle on a clear definition of modesty. In fact, there are several flaws in the wording of the dress code. Students would not dress “like that” if the policy was easier to follow.

For example, the dress code states, “No hats or head coverings for boys or girls.” This vague wording neglects to mention what is regarded as a “head covering.”

According to this policy, students are not permitted to wear headbands or even hair ribbons. I’m Jewish, what about a yarmulke? Or for our Islamic females, would a hijab be ok?

While all students know there is a dress code at CCHS, the wording may cause them to have trouble interpreting it. For instance, when the dress code states, “No apparel depicting alcohol or drugs or with obscene or offensive messages,” it does not clarify what constitutes obscenity. With 1,500 students and more than 100 adults in the building, we each have a different idea of what counts as an “obscene or offensive message.”

To take it a step further, if a student came to school wearing a Jittery Joe’s Coffee t-shirt, they could very well be in violation of the dress code. Jittery Joe’s sells coffee, which contains caffeine. Freshman health class teachers say caffeine is a “drug.”

Granted, students know they are expected to not dress obscenely, but the point of having a dress code is to clearly articulate what rule makers or the community consider to be inappropriate to wear.

Students are expected to follow the rules, but doing that may be harder than it sounds.

The dress code at CCHS is too vague to follow, and it ultimately leads to a lack of concern for dressing appropriately.

Photos by Isabel Atkinson and Alexander Boza Photo illustration by Carlo Nasisse

hrough a sea of 1,500 students at Clarke Central High School, there is always at least one student in a Junior Reserves Officers’ Training Corps uniform.

JROTC’s values, such as personal responsibility, prepare high school students for the outside world. Yet other basic principles, like leadership, allow students to be leaders of their future.

Before now, JROTC has been perceived by a majority of students as a military class that

By Olivia Murphy Viewpoints Writer only does physical labor, like running in the sun. Now, students understand that this program is not only the instructors’ involvement, but also the students’ commitment and effort into building their program.

“JROTC is about the students,” head instructor of the JROTC program at CCHS Lieutenant Colonel William McMickle said. “We have a staff that conducts planning for JROTC events and student leaders that are expected to lead, mentor and coach fellow students.”

McMickle has been teaching Students learn about appreJROTC at CCHS since August 2007. ciating teammates and being “We’re advisors, cooperative in addition to just like other teachers at CCHS,” spinning practice rifles.

McMickle said. “We talk to students about college, and we mentor them, but we also teach sports and do community service, such as food drives and visiting nursery homes.”

After learning in the classroom, students are offered the opportunity to work with others as they work on the JROTC Drill Team and Color Guard.

Even as students participate in teams, it’s possible to believe that student leaders have as much responsibility as instructors when it involves their teammates.

Likewise, students learn more about appreciating teammates and being cooperative than just spinning practice rifles and how to march. Yet, student leaders offer inspiration to teammates through advice and discipline, but also teaches respect for education.

“You’re respecting yourself by coming to class,” McMickle said. “And you’re respecting your instructor by being an active member of the class.”

Above: BLURRED LINES: Senior Diamond Howell (left) displays an obvious break from the dress code by wearing a head covering but junior Nicki Goetz (right) totes a more subtle break of the dress code with a shirt that contains a drug reference, caffeine.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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October 2009

Viewpoints

A new and reduced budget has schools scrambling to find ways to save money.

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Cartoon by Katie Downs

ith a blank expression on his face, the student stares at the board. Having just copied four pages worth of notes from the board, his fingers are throbbing.

The bell rings and he gets up knowing that once he reaches his next class, the routine will begin all over again.

According to CCHS principal Dr. Robbie Hooker, the state of Georgia had to cut three by betty migombo percent of funds allocated to schools due to Viewpoints Writer the three billion dollar decline in state revenue.

As a result, the Clarke County School District’s Board of Education had to make major budget cuts in order to have enough money for the 2009-10 school year.

The new budget implemented on July 1, 2009 reflected a $9.2 million budget decrease from the prior year. The CCSD also cut 25 teaching positions in the district.

“That was probably one of my hardest times of being a principal because I had to stand before the faculty and say that we were going to have to lose 7.5 positions, ” Hooker said. “You have to understand that these people were receiving a pay check that (loss of income) adversely affects their families--it was tough.”

Departments that had lost teachers were forced to deal with issues such as larger class sizes, each consisting anywhere between 30-32 students. In another attempt to save money, teachers received 5,000 less copies of paper.

“I am teaching a new class this year, AP Language. We do not have money to buy books or supplies, so we are making due with what we have,” English Department Chair, Tia Turco said. “I know that the budget cuts are necessary right now. I can only hope that when revenues increase we will again have decreased class sizes and more teachers.”

Teachers, as well as administrators, hope this dent in the school budget will not increase. However, they may have to keep hoping.

“Some financial analysts are saying that we can brace ourselves for another round come January if the economy does not pick up,” Hooker said.

As the economy keeps throwing us lemons, all we can do is make lemonade with what we have and Above: A WARM WELCOME FROM THE hope that we won’t have STATE: Clarke Central High School teachers returned to work this year to find themselves with to keep squeezing for too less collegues and having to buy much needed long. school supplies from their own wallets.

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Raven declassified Sophomore Raven Flanniken defies social cliques and makes his own way.

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n a school where most people try to fit in, sophomore Raven Flanniken stands out.

It’s hard not to notice him toting his rolling book bag and bright orange rain jacket.

While maintaining his individualistic persona, Raven still manages to be part of Clarke Central High School. Most people who know of him have “Raven stories” they are eager to share.

By carlo nasisse Whether it’s him using his rolling book Viewpoints Writer bag like a bulldozer to clear the hallway or his famous rap performances, people always recount the stories fondly.

The first time I encountered Raven was at one of Clarke Middle School’s dances. He was break dancing in the middle of a ring of students chanting his name. These theatrical performances quickly earned Raven a reputation around CMS that followed him into high school.

“I consider myself a funny man,” Raven said.

“I never want to fall into any “Many people would agree particular mold,” that I’m funny.”

Raven incorporates obscure knowledge into ev-- Raven Flanniken, eryday conversation, making sophomore talking to him unpredictable and exciting.

“I like to think I’m blessed with social skills,” Raven said.

Already confident in himself, Raven doesn’t feel the need to associate with a particular group for safety. In the lunchroom, one of the most obvious displays of social division at CCHS, Raven switches tables periodically. One day he will sit with the football players twice his size, and the next with a table of giggly girls.

While he never fully meshes with a single group, Raven embraces his individuality.

“I never want to fall into any particular mold,” Raven said.

Raven is simply Raven.

“You never quite know if people are laughing with you or at you, but at times it doesn’t really matter,” Raven said.

He thrives on individuality. He aims to stand out wherever he goes.

“If you walk down the hallway you will notice a pattern of how people dress and how people blend in,” Raven said. “I don’t want to blend in.”

PhotoBy Alexander Boza Photo illustration by Tyler Elrod

Where’s the money?

Left: THE NOTORIOUS BOOOKBAG: Clarke Central High school sophmore Raven Flanniken stands out from the crowd as he walks home from school pushing his rolling bookbag to clear the way.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Viewpoints

October 2009

Question of the Month?

Worlds apart

What do you think of this year’s tardy policy?

“I don’t think that (school) is doing you any good by sending you to (in-school suspension) because of those tardies. You are not learning anything in there so that is just time wasted away from class.”

-- Kimberly Bailey, senior “The attendance policy is a lot different from my old school. Students think it is so strict. However, where I came from, you had three minutes in between classes and if you were tardy once, you received a detention.

Even though I believe ten tardies should receive a punishment, ISS is not the best punishment.”

-- Morgan Gose,

junior “I think it might be overreacting and a little toostrict. Sometimes tardies aren’t the student’s fault.

They should have just left the tardy policy the way it was.”

-- Caleb Hayes, sophomore “The tardy policy is unfair because it adds up all your tardies from all classes instead of counting each class independently. With a policy like that, ISS is bound to happen for students.”

-- Joshua Carruth, junior

-- Ashley Gibson, senior “If a student chooses to be tardy then it’s their decision because it’s going to hurt them in the long run. Punishing them with ISS doesn’t solve anything.”

eenagers today say a lot of things about the private schools and the students that attend them. “Snobby,” “privileged” and “elitist” are some of the more commonly used stereotypes. Public schools on the other hand are thought of as having a problem with discipline and not maintaining a difficult curriculum. I am now a freshman, but having spent two of my middle school years in the public school system and one in private school, I’ve had a taste of both environments.

Let’s face it. Every school They both have major differhas its basic set of cliques. ences socially and academically, but one thing they do have in common is an exaggerated stereotype of each other. While there are ideas about each, the big question seems to be, which one is better?

Let’s face it. Every school has its basic set of cliques. They’re just a fact of life when it comes to school because friends tend to gravitate into groups.

Though, I have noticed that cliques are often more prominent in private schools, which I think is due to the fact that most of the students have been together since first grade and are less accepting of new people. With public school, the size of the class itself prevents such tight groups because friends are less likely to see each other during the day, therefore causing people to make new friends.

Academics are also an area that the two school systems tend to have similarities and differEach of the schools has difences both.

Each of the ferent levels of classes that schools has accommodate each student’s different levels of classes that areas of learning. accommodate each student’s areas of learning. In private schools though, the curriculum tends to be more “one size fits all,” while public schools have an assortment of courses to take according to each student’s individual talents.

As a whole, whichever school is chosen depends on the student as an individual according to personality and level of academic motivation.

Right: SNOWBALL EFFECT: Private and public schools are both judged in equally unfair manners. Whether we admit it or not, school stereotypes influence our peers and their perception of different education styles.

Cartoon by Nathan Caskey

“The tardy policy is not helpful for students because we will just be missing more class while in ISS. Losing credit for a class is a harsh enough punishment.”

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-- Darius Stallings, sophomore -- Compiled by Viewpoints Staff

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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October 2009

Viewpoints

What’s happening this October?

The Droids are coming.

A

Photo courtesy of Eduardo De La Torré Photo illistration by Carlo Nasisse

their works and share.

Around the giant venue there are clusters of people posing for pictures. In the mile-long line for registration Mario, Bowser, Luigi and Peach can be found and down the block a group of Jedi cast a dramatic pose. You can stop and have a chat with Indiana Jones or marvel at Professor Snape in his grandmother attire. The majority of costumes are homemade, opening up worlds of fantasy to explore and emulate from Ghostbusters to Sailor Moon.

Big at the convention this year were the Star Trek Celebrity stars, including such giant names in geek fandom as Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner (Mr. Spock and Captain Kirk respectively from Star Trek – The Original Series) Shatner and Nimoy displayed a scene that Sunday morning when Nimoy, discussing his acting career, was interrupted

by Shatner walking on stage unannounced. The crowd went wild for the icons that hold such a high platform in pop culture fame.

It is an interesting place to learn and an equally interesting place to hang out at. The people there are easy to talk to and have interesting opinions worth listening to. If you’re looking to exercise your geekiness or are merely curious, DragonCon is a very unique experience.

Above: GEEKS GALORE: A member of the 501st Stormtrooper battalion proudly displays his regalia to fellow Star Wars enthusiasts.

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anuary 25, 2002, eight days after my sister turned 14, my mother passed. There was nothing I could do to help myself and my older sister.

At the age of 10, losing a parent messes by epiphani stevens with your mind. BouncGuest Writer ing around from home to home because no one wanted me to live with my father was awful, especially when I realized that everyone was only trying to get us because of money related reasons.

At the time I did not even think that I was going to graduate from elementary school. After my mother passed, I did not go back to school until graduation.

It was a huge sign of relief to hear my name called on graduation day.

After I lost my mom I felt like there was no real reason for me to be here. Graduation and school were just not things that I could really think about. The only thing on my mind was my mom.

I went through this terrible experience at a very young age and it had a huge effect on my life. My mom’s passing taught me to appreciate

your loved ones. She taught me to go after my dreams, no matter the risk. What makes this lesson so special is that my mother made sure that she fulfilled her dream by writing a book, and I am very proud of her for that.

Even though there are days when I feel unwanted and want to just give up, I push through.

At times like those I ask myself what my mother would tell me, and I always get my answer.

Photo courtesy of Epiphani Stevens

round Labor Day weekend each year, Dragon Con, one of the nation’s largest and most significant science fiction and fantasy conventions takes place in. In the downtown

By Evan english hotels Sheraton, Guest Writer Marriot Marquis, Hyatt and Hilton, fans gathered to see their favorite celebrities, buy and sell memorabilia, as well as discuss their favorite types of fandom.

Artists from all over assembled to showcase

Recovering from tragedy.

Above: PAINFUL MEMORIES: As Stevens looks back, she sees that her life changed after her mother’s passing. “After losing my mom, I felt there was no reason to be here,” Stevens said.

Straight, but not narrow.

“Q

ueer!” “Faggot!”

Soto as well as the support of our sponsor, CCHS “That’s so gay!” counselor Lenore Katz, we managed to get approval These are things I hear from CCHS principal Dr. Robbie Hooker in our when I walk down the quest to start a Gay Straight Alliance at CCHS. halls of We hope that GSA will Clarke serve as an outlet for the stuCentral dents who are gay, bisexual, High bi-curious, transsexual, or School. transgender, as well straight By kelsey brown Every students who understand Guest Writer day, it these students need someone seems more and more students to talk to so they don’t feel begin to use the word ‘gay’ as a way alone. to imply that something is stupid, or We hope to create an enviwrong. ronment where students feel It’s ridiculous, that in 2009, they can talk about themCartoon by Dylan Reeves people should still have to worry selves, while being free Above: AN OPEN CLOSET: CCHS’s about hiding things like their sexfrom judgment. We also new Gay Straight Alliance was founded in order to unify people of all walks of ual orientation. Being a teenager hope to spread the attitude life and promote toleration of students of is already confusing and awkward of acceptance and tolerance all sexual orientations. enough without feeling like you’re throughout CCHS, so all forced to hide such a significant students, gay and straight, part of who you are. have an equal opportunity to Luckily, I’m not the only student who feels this make friends and gain support in whatever decision way. With the help of juniors, Jetta Allen and Susy regarding personal preference they make.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

News

October 2009

Right on key Clarke Central High School’s Key Club held their first meeting on Aug. 27,2009 to discuss their goals for the year. Members include sophomores Briana Bradberry, Mika Brooks, Nina Brooks, Janieria Dupree, Mary Winn Granum, Courtney Lambert, Traesha Lawrence, Halima Martyr, Elliott Radcliffe, Jahmal Swaby, Philip Trandel, Chris Walker, Blaine Wooten, juniors Austin Condict, Amari Jabbie and senior Harrison Skinner.

The Key Club covers all different types of community service. Future plans for the club include building homes and cooking at the local homeless shelter. The meeting was the first one held at CCHS in years and is sponsored by the adult community service club, Kiwanis International.

“The Key Club is a good thing. It hasn’t been available for years for students at Clarke Central and we are all supported by the Kiwanis Club,” Key Club sponsor and Science department teacher Dale Autry said.

Combining skills This year, Clarke Central High School’s Fine Arts department teachers Jennifer Chastain and Kenneth Gibbs combined Chastain’s Graphic Design class and Gibbs’ Video Broadcasting class to create a new club called Skills USA. Chastain hopes that this

Raising the bar Clarke Central High School’s newest club, known as the Black Student Union was created by senior and president Jasmine Taylor. The club is sponsored by Math department teacher Edd Hendry and security guard Lorenda Harris.

The executive board includes sophomores Maya Daniels, Jordan Evans, Chelsea Lumpkin, juniors Jalen Gresham, president-elect Cherranda Smith, Devonte Upshaw, Maurice Walker, Cassi Walter and seniors Renelle Atkinson, Betty Migombo, Shaneiqua Cooper and Terry Wiloughby. BSU meets every Friday to work towards their goal of improving the persona of African-American students.

“The purpose of BSU is too empower the black students, not to be another statistic,” Upshaw said.

Yearbook makes news larke Central High School’s 2008-09 Gladius yearbook received a rating of Good/Achievement from the Georgia Scholastic Press Association. The commentary from GSPA indicates that the 2009 Gladius “Stands out in a pile - without reading the title - it is obvious and makes people smile.” Specific pages and photographs were recognized by evaluators as well as the work of CCHS graduates Samantha Adkins, Madison Begnaud, Emma McLeod, Jesus Parra, and senior Marina Thomas was praised heeavily.

Thomas was specifically recognized for her photography and a photo spread she designed .

“They said it was an amazing spread, the kind of coverage everyone should aspire to have,” Thomas said.

Joys of teaching The 2008-09 Teacher of the Year award for Clarke Central High School was presented to Math department teacher Joy Sapp in May 2009. Sapp has worked at CCHS for five years and was recognized by her co-workers for her commitment to teaching.

“When I first found out, I was ecstatic and humbled at the same time,” Sapp said. “We have so many good teachers here.”

Social Studies department teacher Ashley Goodrich and Foreign Language department teacher Emily Dowd were also recognized by the Foundation of Excellence.

Photo by Isabel Atkinson Photo illustration by Alex Morris and Gayatri Setia

Coupons for cats

coupon books at $12 each and they received 50 percent of the funds for each book sold. t their first Within the coupon meeting in book, customers can find Aug. 2009, Clarke coupons for businesses Central High in the Athens area.

School’s Humane Members of the Humane Society Club Society include freshmen members made Harrison Boza, Grace the decision Byrne, Hannah DunnPhoto by Dylan Reeves Photo illustration by Sallay Jabbie to sell coupon Granpre, Katie Googe, books to raise money for three shelters that do not Sarah Hoyt, Victoria Randall, Lois Songster, euthanize animals.

Skyla Tippins, Nathan Welch, sophomores Sales began immediately following the meeting.

James Foutz, Joyce Lu, Halima Martyr, Sabrina Each member committed to selling ten coupon books Partridge, Karolina Sabonaityte, Alquida Seals,

by Oct. 8, 2009. The club was required to sell the Madison Silva, juniors Malekica Cade, Ashley

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Photo by Isabel Atkinson

News briefs

club will provide students in the Arts, Media and Communication Career Academy with knowledge of the media field. Skills USA is offered to students who have taken or are going to take a Graphic Communications class or a Video Broadcasting class. Guest speakers and field trips have been planned for the 2009-10 school year.

“I want the students in this club to have handson experience in different careers in this field because it’s so interesting,” Chastain said.

C

Above: MEMORIES ARE FOREVER: Clarke Central High School Yearbook staff was recently awarded by the Georgia Scholastic Press Association for its work on the 2008-09 Gladius yearbook. Left: SAPP IN ACTION: Math Department teacher Joy Sapp was awarded with 2008-09 Teacher of the Year award for CCHS from the Foundation of Excellence.

Conrad, Amari Jabbie, Arianna Kazez, Leah Schmidt, Lisa Traore, Raven Washington, Alyssa Zanone and seniors Marie Atkinson, Alana Blankenship, Chessie Chavis, Laura Conroy, Taylor Jordan, Ashley Mapp, Leslie Rico, Lauren Weinrich and Amanda Wolff. “( We) are raising money for three selected animal rescue centers,” Kazez said. “It’s an easy way to do fundraising and it’s really popular.”

Left: BOOKS FOR THE BETTER: Clarke Central High School’s Humane Society Club began selling coupon books in August 2009 to raise money for three animal shelters. The books were sold for $12 and contain coupons for businesses in the Athens area.

--Compiled by the News Staff

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

13

October 2009

News Photo by Dylan Reeves

Let’s talk tardies After a summer spent analyzing attendance in Clarke Central High School, it became apparent that a new tardy policy was needed.

D

uring an administrative team meeting in Feb. 2009, Clarke Central High School Assistant principal Reginald Thomas reviewed attendance data and came to a simple conclusion -- too many students were tardy to class.

The new tardy policy works in multiples of five. Ten tardies to class will land a student in In-School Suspension for one day, 15 and 20 tardies will equate to two days in ISS and 25 tardies will yield three days of ISS. “I think it’s going to have more kids in class on time,” Thomas said. “It will nourish the learning environment because more people will be in class on time.”

In the 2008-09 school year, tardiness became a large problem and affected student’s attendance. As a result, Thomas decided to create a new tardy policy.

He felt that students were given a sufficient amount of time to get to their next class.

“You can get anywhere you want to in this building in six minutes,” Thomas said.

The main target of the new tardy policy was the students in the halls between second, third and fourth block. Data has shown that the least amount of tardies are those going to first block.

“I can testify to the fact that the new policy is having an impact because there are less people in the hall after the bell rings than in the past. I also know of certain students who struggled with tardies in the past, but now hustle to class to avoid tardies,” Thomas said.

Opinions about the policy on campus vary, but there seems to be a split among students and adults on the new policy.

“It hurts. There isn’t really much you can do about it. I mean, you’re already getting late to class and then they’re going to send you to ISS for being late. I don’t like it,” junior Ken Booker said.

CCHS security officer Marge Dyson agrees with the policy and the consequences that come with it.

“I think it’s fair. I think there has to be consequences for (being tardy),” Dyson said. “And for me having raised four children on my own, driving to school was a privilege. Parking on campus was a privilege.”

Thomas believes getting to school on time helps with a student’s preparation for their future.

“When you go out into the workforce, you can’t be late for work every day. You Above: STROLLIN’ IN: Clarke Central High can’t be at work on a job School assistant principal Reginald Thomas that gives you breaks within watches junior Ken Booker as he enters his the day and be late back classroom late after a trip to Chick-fil-A for breakfast. “What I’m saying is if you drive, and to work from every break,” you’re going over to Chick-fil-A, then just leave Thomas said.

by Ariella cross

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

News Writer

earlier,” Thomas said.

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Above: DIVE INTO DOVE: Clarke Central High School sophomore Kwanzaa Dunbar is an avid potery fan who enjoys the work of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Rita Dove. “She is a great writer; her writing is very unique,” Dunbar said.

Passion for poetry Former Poet Laureate Rita Dove is set to visit Athens, Ga. on Oct.8, 2009.

S

oon Athens will have the chance to see poetry through the eyes of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Laureate Rita Dove.

“She’s a well known and highly regarded writer and we’ve published her work many times, so were glad she will be back,” Dr. Stephen Corey, Editor- inChief of the Georgia Review said.

Dove is scheduled to make three appearances in Athens on Oct. 8 and 9, 2009. On Oct. 8, Dove will hold a Question and Answer session at the University of Georgia’s Tate Student Center Theater at 3:30 p.m. and a poetry reading at the Morton Theatre at 7 p.m. This will be followed by a session at the Athens-Clarke County Library the next day.

“We wanted to have her last year, and she wasn’t able to come for that,” Corey said. “But she said she would try to come another time. So we contacted her about the possibility of her coming this fall and she was able to do it.”

Initially, Dove was to visit Clarke Central High School for a Q & A session, but was rescheduled for the library due to a scheduling conflict.

Dove was the second African American awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1987. She was also named Poet Laureate of the United States by the Library of Congress in 1993, in which she composed poems for state occasions.

Many of Dove’s pieces have been featured in the Georgia Review, such as her poem “On the Bus with Rosa Parks,” which was also the name of her awardwinning collection of poetry.

“This was (a) very poetic retelling of the episodes involved with Rosa Parks sitting on the bus back in the civil rights days,” Corey said. “We were pleased to have published one of the poems that became the title poem for one of her collections.”

CCHS sophomore Kwanzaa Dunbar, a member of the Open Mic Club, a group for poetry lovers, wishes many of her peers knew more about poetry.

“I love poetry, and I hate when I hear students blow it off like it’s nothing because they don’t know poetry means so much more,” Dunbar said.

In spite of Dove’s status as a poet, CCHS English department teacher Erin Prentiss noted many students do not know much about her.

“People just seem to know the same African-American poets like Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou, but they don’t realize that there so many more out there,” Prentiss said.

Corey hopes this event will encourage students to learn more about poetry and Rita Dove.

“All who attend will, I have no doubt, be impressed and moved,” Corey said. by sallay jabbie News Writer

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

News

October 2009

Interning for higher learning Clarke Central High School students experience a collegiate level of learning through the new Academic Internship partnership with the University of Georgia. by tAMAR sCHMIDT News Writer

s the bell rings for fourth block, Clarke Central High School seniors Chessie Chavis and Caitlin Wharton head from the Miller W. Jordan Food Court to the University of Georgia bus stop at the edge of the CCHS campus.

While other students take their seats for their last class of the day, Chavis and Wharton ride straight to UGA campus for their Academic Internships in the Veterinary Sciences building, where they observe animal surgeries, or in the community clinic to work with dogs, cats and larger animals.

“We look for students who are highly motivated and want to go out and try something new in a real world situation,” Clarke County School District Director of Gifted and English as a Second Language services Vicki Krugman said.

Students interested in becoming Academic Interns submit applications to Krugman. Upon receiving the applications, she either refers them to UGA Human Resources or aids the student in revisions in their applications.

“I like to look and see that the students have done quality work,” Krugman said. “Sometimes the student needs to learn that if your employer reads what you do then you need to have clarity, you need to have quality and you need to express yourself well.”

By spring 2009, the Young Dawgs team, which encompasses the Academic Internship program, conducted interviews in order to determine career interests and prospects. These interviews solidified the field in which the students would work. Human Resources then matched the students with supervisors in the particular areas of interest, who mentor them in the fall 2009 semester.

“We have lots of areas to explore, just about anything you can think of,” UGA Human Resources Division Manager Judy James said. “We’ve had students who did an internship who’ve decided not to go into that area, but I think it is good for them to get that early exposure.”

Chavis and Wharton both expressed their love of animals and hoped for this program to give them a more in-depth look into veterinary medicine.

“I’m really trying to make a decision between becoming a vet and becoming a doctor,” Wharton said. “I’m hoping that this internship will give me some more ideas about how vet school is going to work. (It will) tell me if I have the stomach for surgery.”

Krugman feels a particular type of student is required for the demands of an Academic Internship due to the connection with UGA and the collegiate level of work expected.

“We are looking for high achieving students; the requirements to be in this program are rigorous,” Krugman said. “Being at the University, there’s

Photos by Isabel Atkinson

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Above: PUPPY LOVE: Clarke Central High School seniors Chessie Chavis and Caitlin Wharton help out in the University of Georgia’s community clinic by checking up on puppy Noah. “I’ve always been involved with animals,” Wharton said. “I want this to help me take and apply what I’ve learned in school.” Left: CALMING THE CANINES: Chavis and Wharton lend a hand in the community clinic to a dog preparing for vaccinations. “I mostly comfort the animals, whether they’re getting shots, their nails clipped or are just out of surgery,” Chavis said.

research involved, there’s presentations, there’s development of projects and there are journals.”

Chavis believes this program, though it can be time consuming and comes with a heavy workload, to be incredibly rewarding.

“We learn things from how to hold dogs to how to give shots,” Chavis said.

“Biology class teaches you what you need to know, but doing this teaches you (things) that are interesting and you’re into it.”

In addition to their duties at their respective sites, interns commute to the Human Resources Building on Fridays to craft their summative presentations and to write reflective journals regarding their weekly experiences.

No matter why students chose the internship, James hopes this program will continue to benefit the work ethic and job experience of the those involved.

“They may decide to do Young Dawgs for different reasons, for different challenges,” James said. “But we hope they’ll end up with the same goal, and that’s to be the best they can for themselves through high school and after.”

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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October 2009

News Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Above: FEELING THE CRUNCH: Teachers in Clarke County School District are feeling the effects of Clarke County Superintendent of Schools Phil Lanoue’s “Non-Negotiable Practices for High Student Performance” in the form of a bigger workload and more stress. The non-negotiables require teachers to spend more time adjusting lesson plans to cater more particularly to the needs of students.

Building a common framework for instruction Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue established guiding principles called the “Non-Negotiable Practices” for teachers.

By Jesse Siebentritt News Writer

I

says: What do you want students to learn? How n July of 2009, Dr. Philip Lanoue started his do you know they learn? What do you do if they tenure as the Clarke County School District don’t learn? And the fourth one says you have to Superintendent. With him came a number of know your students, that we as educators have to guidelines called the non-negotiables that increase be your strongest advocate,” Lanoue said. “The teacher accountability. non-negotiables really are operating procedures, “If you (are) teaching, someone has to be a set of clear learning. So if 70 expectations.” percent of your “Learning should not be a mysClarke class is learning tery to (students); you should Central High and 30 percent School associate is not, can you know exactly what you have to principal call that teaching?

Tammy Pope Because I believe do.” believes that the teaching means non-negotiables that everyone in -- Dr. Philip Lanoue, have helped my class learns,” Clarke County School District Superintendent her focus her Lanoue said. “The priorities as an shift with the nonadministrator. negotiables is we “We have so many other things we’re trying to have greater accountability in our classrooms.” do, it’s very easy for us to be distracted from what Lanoue’s “Non-Negotiable Practices for High School Performance” include four overarching areas. our primary job should be, and our primary job is to be leaders in instruction, and this helps us to be “The non-negotiables, really do four things, it

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able to refocus,” Pope said.

Third-year CCHS Math department teacher, Valerie Russell, said that she did not have to alter her teaching style in order to comply with the non-negotiables.

Russell has consistently used essential questions while teaching at CCHS. She said that the non-negotiables required teachers to do more work on their own time including adapting their lesson plans for students who are at different proficiency levels and sending those in to their supervisors. Even so, Russell said she had not observed negative sentiment toward the superintendent and his new policies among her colleagues.

“Not the superintendent per se’, I think everyone’s happy about his enthusiasm for change,” Russell said. “His enthusiasm to make Clarke County a great county, to increase our test scores, you know everyone is enthusiastic about that but we have a lot of work to do.”

While Russell said educators seemed to be supportive of Lanoue’s policies overall, she also said it is important to acknowledge the hard work that teachers put into their jobs. “(Teachers) work very hard and it takes a lot of time and you know, I think sometimes people don’t understand how much work that we do outside of the classroom,” Russell said. “I think if anything, that would be the hindrance to change, the additional time that it takes from our families.”

Lanoue feels the non-negotiables are ultimately there for the benefit of students.

“The non-negotiables are something certainly that are the guiding principles, but I think in this new standards environment, this is about clarity,” Lanoue said. “Learning should not be a mystery to (students); you should know exactly what you have to do.”

Freshman Natasha Cline said most of her teachers use essential questions, but does not find them to be particularly helpful in the classroom.

“A lot of teachers don’t really use them except they just make you write them down,” Cline said.

“They’re going to go over it anyway, the question just restates that.”

Whether or not everyone is on board with the non-negotiables, Pope believes that all involved parties mean well.

“I think really at heart, everybody’s positive about the intention, I think it’s very easy for any of us, any time we feel like we’ve got more paper work, to get that negative energy going but at the heart of things,” Pope said. “This is an incredible staff of people who have absolutely a passion for education and our kids and for seeing our kids succeed.”

Russell remained positive as well.

“I just think that the teachers are doing the best that they can to adjust,” Russell said. “And I think we’re going to rise to the top.”

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

News

October 2009

Furloughing for days

Due to budget cuts implemented by the state of Georgia, the Clarke County School District furloughed teachers for three days in 2009.

News editor

during pre-planning so I think that that really affected pre-planning,” CCHS principal Dr. Robbie Hooker said.

During the course of the 2009-10 school year, CCSD school administrators will also be furloughed for five days, at random. Because of these furlough days, CCHS associate principal Tammy Pope’s decision on retirement has been put on hold.

“This is my 30th year, so technically at the end of this year I could retire,” Pope said.

“Your retirement formula is based on your two consecutive years of your highest salary. So when they announced the furlough days, I realized that those would significantly impact my last year which would be one of my highest two consecutive years.”

Not only does it impact pay and retirement for many administrators but it is also difficult to plan administrator furlough days. For every school day or teacher workday, at least one school administrator must be present in the building.

Because of this, not all administrators can be furloughed at one time. Administrators choose their furlough days throughout the year.

“The expectation is that we will work it out with each other because you have to have an administrator in the building,” Pope said.

All school employees are furloughed and nearly all are concerned about what it will do to their pay. “(The CCSD) did a really nice thing and they are distributing (our pay) throughout the year, and they will take it out a little each month, which is better.

But I am still really upset that they gave us furlough days during pre-planning,” English department teacher Marlana Street said.

Despite the relief of distributed pay, teachers were not pleased with having two of the furlough days during the pre-planning period. They felt it slowed things down while trying to prepare for the upcoming school year.

“I made (planning) happen. I can’t start my year without being uber organized but it really hampered the day to day operations of my classroom,” Street said. “I was no where near ready to begin with the simple things like names in textbooks or seating

“This is my 30th year, so technically at the end of this year I could retire ...so when they announced the furlough days, I realized that those would significantly impact my last year.”

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

--Tammy pope, CCHS associate principal

Photo illustration by Alexander Boza

T

he Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Furlough as permission or a leave of absence from duty without pay. This is not a definition that many students can recite from memory but it is a definition that affects their teachers.

“The teachers in this county are extraordinary.

They just accepted it, that’s the way it was and they continued to do what needed to be done,” Clarke County School District Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue said. “We chose the three planning days, 2 before school and one in October but I would bet that a large percentage (of teachers) would continue to work and plan.

Based on the state of Georgia’s 900 million dollar shortfall in revenue, Gov. Sonny Perdue decreased all state agency budgets and public school system budgets by three percent for the 2009-10 school year. One part of this three percent budget cut requires public school administrators and teachers to be furloughed for a certain amount of days without pay.

Every day that teachers in the state of Ga. are furloughed is expected to save the state 33 million dollars.

“I was thankful that I have a job. No one wants a pay cut, but we are fortunate to at least have just 3 days,” Clarke Central High School Social Studies department teacher Laura Ambrose said.

Gov. Perdue left if it up to school district officials to decide what days were best to furlough teachers.

According to the Georgia Department of Education, the three furlough days must be put into effect on teacher planning days, not actual school days.

In July of 2009, Dr. Lanoue began working as the new Superintendent for the CCSD. Announcing the furlough dates to all certified CCSD employees was Lanoue’s first act as Superintendent. The dates the district chose and Lanoue announced were Aug. 3, Aug. 4 and Oct. 12, 09. The first two furlough days for CCSD teachers fell during pre-planning before the first days of school.

“If (they) would have told us back in June we could have adjusted but I think all principals already sent out what we were going to be doing

by EmILY Allen

charts.”

Along with the furlough days during preplanning, nearly all teachers at CCHS were moved to a new classrooms based on department. This continued to push teachers behind when trying to prepare for the upcoming year.

Regardless of all of the changes and furloughs during pre-planning, teachers did not let the chaos affect their students.

“It did not impact (students). Since I came in that one day, I got everything done that they had to have access to,” Street said. “They are the priority and I wanted to make sure they had a smooth opening school year.”

According to CCSD teachers, the furlough days did not fall on convenient dates, but some teachers feel like they are necessary for improvement in the state budget.

“I don’t have a problem with the furlough days, I know that it is needed and that everyone has to cut their budgets. That is never something that I am upset about,” Street said. “I just think that it was not helpful to make those furlough days happen during pre-planning when the district knows that teachers desperately need that time to get things ready.”

Above: GEORGIA ON MY MIND: The Georgia Department of Education expects that if every teacher in the state of Georgia were furloughed on the same day, it would save up to $33 million. Left: A BLESSING FROM POPE: Clarke Central High School associate principal Tammy Pope decided on a new retirement plan, based on the furlough days this year.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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October 2009

Focus

Sponsoring a new culture Jennifer Chastain, Clarke Central High School’s graphic design teacher, traveled to Kenya with her husband and shared an experience with two children who stole their hearts. by kayli read Features Writer

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he felt as if she was stepping into Oz — someplace where the possibility of blending in with her surroundings did not exist.

After two eight-hour flights, Jennifer Chastain entered the small Kenyan airport, with her American wealth and customs, feeling excitement for the days to come.

“The Atlanta airport is so big, and it’s such a hub for everybody, and the Kenyan airport was so small,” Jennifer said. “You know you’re not in Kansas anymore or whatever you want to say—that you’re nowhere like home.”

Jennifer and Matt Chastain took a two-week trip to Kenya during the summer of 2009 to visit a child Matt had been sponsoring for a year.

The couple felt that they both grew up in families where helping others was a way of life. It was something they enjoyed doing.

“My mother has lived her life with

the sole purpose of helping others,” form, Matt received a photo, a her brief leap into a new culture.

Matt said. “I’m glad I’ve taken a little thank-you note and a fact sheet about “It didn’t seem real to me that we of that from her.”

Edwin Wagura Maina, a six-year-old were going until the last week (before The choice to sponsor a child boy who lives in Nakuru, Kenya. the trip) because I was still in school through the Kenya Project — a When Jennifer married into the and teaching,” Jennifer said. “The Christian-based volunteer organizaChastain family in 2008, she was last couple of days I started getting tion — was not questioned. Matt’s quickly drawn into the organization really excited and just a little nervous family advocated sponsoring children after seeing the family’s enthusiasm because you don’t know what you’re after they got involved in the Kenya towards the Kenya Project. Jennifer going to run into.” project. soon became involved in more When the group arrived in Nakuru, “My little sister … Has used her aspects of the organization. the next morning they unpacked their babysitting money to things and walked to the school “I felt protective, like a real sponsor two kids. My to meet all of the children from step-mom, dad and the village. Jennifer and Matt father.

I wanted to just give brother, as well as sevwere eager to find Edwin among eral aunts, sponsor kids. (Edwin) all I could and do them, hoping the process would So it’s a family tradition,” be simple. whatever I could for him,” Matt said. “(Edwin) looked exactly like The process of sponthe photo. I heard someone -- Matt chastain, say ‘Edwin’ behind me as we soring a child, Matt said, included filling out a baAccount Manager of Cox Radio stood around before the service sic information form that started,” Matt said. “I turned is on the website, www. around and knew immediately thekenyaproject.org. The monthly fee “Hearing my husband’s family talk that it was him.” of 20 dollars pays for the student’s about (the Kenya Project) and seeing When Matt first saw Edwin, his school fees, emergency medical fees, pictures and just knowing that we feeling of excitement was tangled school uniform, had the opportunity to travel halfway with his urge to care for Edwin as transportation, a across the world and see what somethough he was his father. pair of shoes and body else’s living conditions are like “Boy, it got real then! I felt protectwo meals a day. … We just wanted to experience it,” tive like a real father. I wanted to just “The way it Jennifer said. give him all I could and do whatever I works is that A trip to Nakuru, Kenya was could for him,” Matt said. “Eddie just guardians get a planned through the Kenya Project smiles a lot and wants to hang around probationary pein May 2009. Jennifer and Matt were with me. He doesn’t say much, but I riod of a greatly asked to join a volunteer group of 22 could tell he was very happy, and I reduced tuition people to travel to Nakuru. Their plan was, too.” while they wait was to plant an organic garden, paint Matt introduced Edwin to Jennifer, on a sponsor to a mural inside the new cafeteria and and the couple decided that they be found,” Matt lead a vacation bible school. wanted to meet Edwin’s family so that said. “If a sponAs the trip loomed in the near they could give them more than the sor isn’t found, future, Matt and Jennifer did not money sent monthly -- something the the guardian know what to expect. As Jennifer family would truly appreciate. must pay the full looked down at her suitcase and saw The couple walked up the dirt tuition amount.” the material things she would need, path into Edwin’s family’s small mud After filling she could not grasp how to prepare hut. Even through the language barout the required herself mentally and emotionally for rier, Jennifer could tell that Edwin’s

Left: A NEW FAMILY PORTRAIT: Jennifer and Matt Chastain hold Susan and Edwin, the two children they sponsor and visited over the summer in Kenya, in their arms. “My husband and I both said that now that we’ve met Edwin and we’ve spent time with both him and Susan, it’s hard to imagine not ever seeing them again,” Jennifer said.

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ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Focus

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Chastain

grandmother was not aware they planned to visit. “(Edwin’s grandmother) kept hugging us over and over and just kept telling us how glad she was and …

That she has always prayed for us every single night since we had started sponsoring Edwin and how she now considered us her grandchildren, too,” Jennifer said.

Edwin’s grandmother started offering the couple things to drink and things to eat, although what they had was scarce.

“They live in little mud huts, and they may not even know where their next meal is coming from, but they wanted to offer us tea and bread and everything that they had,” Jennifer said.

While visiting Edwin’s family, the couple saw the harsh reality of Edwin’s home life, as well as the circumstances that brought him there.

“Edwin’s father passed away a couple years ago and his mother …

Couldn’t find work in the village so she had to leave and go to Nairobi, (Kenya’s capital) to find work,” Jennifer said. “That’s why he lives with his grandmother. And his grandmother works from sun up to sun down in a field and makes a dollar or two a day.”

As Edwin told the couple about his family, they saw a side of Edwin they had never seen before -- his eyes were tearing up and his familiar smile disappeared.

“Eddie had been, up to that point, a very happy kid who smiled all the time,” Matt said. “But when asked about his father he quickly teared up, and that hit me very hard.”

October 2009 After meeting the family and learning what their life entailed, Jennifer and Matt chose to give Edwin’s family another method of cooking.

“At the end of the week we ended up buying his family a little cook-top stove because the only way they could cook was just an open fire, and so, the cook-top stove really helped them out,” Jennifer said.

Aside from spending time with Edwin and his family, Matt and Jennifer also helped with the projects planned. Jennifer was asked to The Monday after they met Edwin, “I told her mom that I wanted to lead a mural project in the school’s Jennifer had the chance to interact sponsor Susan, and I didn’t have time cafeteria. with all of the kids at school. One of to get it out of my mouth before she “It was neat because (the kids these kids was four year-old Susan just gave me the biggest hug that I in Nakuru) don’t get to have art Wangui Nderitu. had ever had in my life,” Jennifer (classes), and they don’t get to paint,” “Some kids are just drawn to said. “She just kept telling me how Jennifer said. “So for them to have certain people and vice versa … Even much that was going to mean for her paint on their hands and to put their though we couldn’t speak the same family.” handprint on the wall and know that language, (Susan) would just come Saturday was the final day for the they can see that every time they up and hold my hand or come up and group in Kenya. Both Jennifer and go to the cafeteria was exciting for sit in my lap,” Jennifer said.

Matt felt that they were leaving two them.” kids they had come to call their Jennifer “Their smiles are beautiful and own — two kids that gave them was brought glance into a life where happito tears their eyes smile. They may not have aness was not hard to find. when re“My husband and I both said the words to tell you thank you but counting the that now that we’ve met Edwin smiles that they show you,” and we’ve spent time with both surrounded him and Susan, it’s hard to her when the -- jennifer Chastain, imagine not ever seeing them kids pressed Clarke Central High School Graphic Design again,” Jennifer said. their painted This new appreciation, teacher hands to the Jennifer feels, was present with mural. her during the trip and remains “Their smiles are beautiful, and At first glance, Jennifer noticed that with her today. their eyes smile,” Jennifer said. “They Susan had a lovable face. Though Jen“You get back into your daily life may not have the words to tell you nifer interacted with all of the kids, and it’s hard to keep it in the forethank you, but they show you.” she made a connection with one who front of your mind when you are surAfter spending time with the kids, was in dire need of a helping hand. rounded by the material things that Jennifer decided to sponsor a child of “I didn’t want to necessarily sponwe have,” Jennifer said. “But we look her own. However, she wanted to go sor a child who had more than some at our pictures and it brings back the through a differof the others,” Jennifer said. “I found memories and we still talk to people ent process than out that (Susan) has six brothers that we went on the trip with.”

Matt. and sisters and they all live in a little The experience as a whole left “My plan was one-room house with their parents.

Jennifer and Matt with a different to find a child And so I knew that she needed some outlook on life. Both said that they that week that I help.” hope people will become inspired to connected with When Jennifer went to tell Susan’s help others by their story. instead of to just mother that she wanted to sponsor “I never even miss the 20 bucks,” have one sent Susan, the emotion-filled reaction Matt said. “That amount of money to me,” Jennifer was much like Edwin’s grandmother’s literally changed Edwin and his said. reaction. grandmother’s life.”

Left: A MURAL TO REMEMBER: Jennifer and Matt Chastain traveled with a volunteer group to Nakuru, Kenya. They painted a mural in the children’s new school cafeteria. “We had one large area in the cafeteria and we painted a mural there with a bible verse across the top of it,” Jennifer said. Top Right: A HELPING HAND: Clarke Central High School’s graphic design teacher Jennifer lifts Susan to put her handprint on the mural project Jennifer led while in Kenya, helping to build a relationship with her sponsored child. “For them to have paint on their hands and put their handprint on the wall and know that they can see that every time they go to the cafeteria was exciting for them,” Jennifer said.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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Getting your Phil October 2009

Features

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

New Clarke County School District Superintendent of Schools Philip Lanoue inherits a district influx. In a candid discussion, Lanoue answers questions about the school district, his philosophies and himself.

By lauren pruitt Features Editor

The Man What are your hobbies?

I do golf, but that takes too long. I try to run when I can ... But really there’s not a whole lot of extra time. When I can, I make sure I go to Boston and see my kids and my family. I can’t say I’ve got this dire passion or hobby. I think sometimes I just wish that I had time to do nothing, where I can wake up and just say, you know what, I’ve got 24 hours of nothing, purely nothing. I think that’s what I’d like.

Above: ADDRESSING HIS DISTRICT: New Clarke County School District Superintendent Philip Lanoue spoke at a Board of Education meeting on Sep. 3. He expressed efforts to look at individual policies to help the district succeed. “We’re continually examining policies, and I want to continue looking at those policies that may be more barriers than helping kids,” Lanoue said. Opposite top: TEACHING EXPECTATIONS: Lanoue believes that to get all students to succeed, every student needs to be looked at individually. “What schools need to do in this society is profile what student needs are, because that’s where they’re coming from,” Lanoue said. “Then you can begin to wrap programs differently and multi-facet them around how we’re going to get kids to learn.” Middle: REFLECTING ON AN EDUCATION CAREER: The superintendent pursued a career in education since he graduated from college. One job included returning to a familiar school. “I did my student teaching my senior year at Burlington High School (in Vermont), and the irony of that is that I went back 10 years later as their principal,” Lanoue said. bottom: HOLDING CLARKE COUNTY UP: Lanoue plans to work hard towards achievement in CCSD. “If you believe all kids can learn, you can figure out ways to make that happen,” Lanoue said. “I know it’s probably not always going to 100 percent but, at this time, at this place, but we have to take tremendous responsibility in our field.”

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Do you feel that you were strict when it came to raising your daughters, Jaime (26) and Joslyn (22)?

I don’t think it was one of those things where I had to say so many rules, there were just so many expectations, and probably, when it came to the boyfriends or something, I think I probably had too many jokes. So I think there were just some inherent understanding. And we had a lot of open discussions, I’m very open with Jaime and Joslyn with whatever topic. There wasn’t a topic we wouldn’t talk about.

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The Learner What kind of student would you say you were?

I would put myself as a pretty good student.

I was Pre-Med at the University of Vermont and then went into education, and then with that said, I played ice hockey, so I spent a lot of time at the rink. Probably spent too many nights at the rink, during my first two years as a biology major.

I decided to change gears. But I’d say I was a fair student in college, a little bit better in grad school, and I just graduated last week, so I have a Ph.D., so I have to say I matured.

How did you feel when you woke up on school mornings when you were in high school?

I actually enjoyed going to high school. I had to travel 10 miles because I was in this little town so I had to go to a regional high school. I played sports, so that was really good. I played football and hockey ... I would have to say it was pretty social for me, so that was a good thing.

What was your first year of college like?

I had a pretty aggressive course load, and I was nowhere near as ready as I should’ve been so I don’t think my high school (education) was that strong and that became very evident, even though I did well, I was in advanced courses. I think it was a real change, the work load and the pace is so much faster, so it was a struggle. It got better.

What did you plan to do after college?

I think my career goals were that I was going into medicine. I almost went to the Air Force Academy, so I was looking into flying, but I’m not sure it was education. But I changed early after my sophomore year only because I coached (hockey) at the high school level, so I think (teaching) has kind of been in my system for a long time.

I think now the college search and the career search is much more intense than when I went to

school. You’re asked what you want to do and I don’t know if I was even asked that. I think it’s a lot more on you these days than us.

October 2009

The Educator What drew you to a career in education?

I got to meet people that I thought were good leaders and I said, “Well I can do that, I’d like to do that.” So after two years of teaching I went back to the university, and I still taught and coached, but I got a Masters (in education) over three or four years, going evenings and Saturdays.

How did you get your first teaching job?

I wanted to teach, and I wanted to coach, and I don’t think that’s un-typical, so those were the two things I wanted to do. I was very fortunate. I got out; I got a teaching job and was head hockey coach at a high school, and those were the things I wanted to do.

It was really just a matter of -- back then you just met with the superintendent -- so I applied for a job to be a hockey coach and that’s what they wanted, and they needed a biology teacher, and I think that’s what the realities are. The superintendent asked me one question. He said, “Can you control this hockey team?”

And I said “Sure.” So he said to go meet with the principal, and I met with him for a while and I became a teacher.

It’s different now. I hope it’s different. I coached and was a teacher for six years, and it was great. We won a couple of state championships, so that was fun.

What was a turning-point for you as an educator?

When I was principal of Lexington (High School in Massachusetts), I had a lot more latitude to do things because it wasn’t a stateregulated school, so I wanted to require physics for every senior as a graduation requirement.

I went to the physics teachers and said, “What about this? Can we do this? Physics for every senior?” Now, there are many educators that would tell me 20 reasons why not to do that -- you don’t have the math, we’d have to water it down, you name it, we could go through the litany.

So when I asked (the Science department teachers), first thing that was said by a teacher -- and I remember he taught advanced level physics -- he beamed. He looked at me and said, “You give us an opportunity to teach kids what we love, we’ll get it done.” Do you see the shift?

“You’re giving us a chance? You’re giving us a chance to teach all kids physics? We’ll get it done.” That’s what I mean by passion, so the part about me is how do we create that passion, because if there’s no fire in us, then how can I expect to put a fire in you?

Photo by Alexander Boza

How do you cope when losses in your personal life may affect your work?

If you think about it, I haven’t left a school schedule since I was five. It’s kind of crazy but when you think about that, I’m 53, so 48 years of being on this same bio-clock, even though as an administrator you work all year, it’s still sort of that same cycle.

I have found that, if anything, my career is very stabilizing for me. This is who I am; this is what I like; this is what I want to do. And obviously, from what you see from records, change is really important to me. I guess no moss grows under my feet for long, and I don’t say that negatively ... When you get older and start to change jobs, those are pretty large risks and they take a lot of energy, so I don’t know how many more moves I got in me, if any. If anything, my job is pretty anchoring for me.

May 2009

Photo by Lexi Deagen

Table of Contents Features

NEWSMAGAZINE ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Photo by Lexi Deagen

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October 2009

Photo by Lexi Deagen

What do you feel has defined you as an educator?

I think there are many people that have defined me as an educator. And because I’ve had so many different experiences, I’ve come in contact with just some incredible educators, and I’m so fortunate that I can take the best of the best. I really feel that I’ve become a better educator because of who I’ve met as educators, who I’ve met as parents and students, and really, the last four years of working in challenging communities and challenging schools and seeing success and smiles on people’s faces.

That’s been the hardest work I’ve ever done and probably the most rewarding.

I take nothing for granted. And as a result of that I’ve become more relentless than ever about learning, so if someone ever asks me, I’m all about achievement, and I believe that public schools can make a difference. I really do. When I was in South Cobb and when I went here, I don’t blame poverty.

I don’t blame social economics. I don’t blame

Features parents. I say that I put it right here on our schools.

We can do a better job. Not all, but we’re going to start here.

The Superintendent

You mentioned that working as the area Superintendent of Cobb County was a challenge.

How so?

It was a challenge, it was a great challenge. In fact, I’d say I’ve learned more in the last four years in Cobb County than I did the previous 15 as a principal about really what it means to dig down and get it so every kid could learn … When we got there, there were about 20 schools, and when I first arrived … There were six elementary schools -- Philip Lanoue, that were Clarke County School District Superintendent on and off (Adequate Yearly Prothem and ask what we needed to do differently. cess) and two of the three middle My expectation when I walked in the classroom schools had never made AYP, and was (that teachers have) to be able to tell me where the two high schools, one was in their kids are at, as far as standards and what restructuring and one was needsthey’re doing, if they’re not on standards. I’d tell improvement. the faculty as I met with them, I said, “If I was teachBut when I left last year, every ing today I would’ve fired myself.” I mean, it’s hard. elementary school was off the list Teaching is really hard. We expect a tremendous for the last two years; every middle amount on teachers today. school was off the list for the last two years; and South Cobb High What do you feel was one of the faults of your School, which was in corrective career? action, they were in their third year I think I could’ve done a much better job conoff the list, and Pebblebrook High necting. They call it political mapping, because I school didn’t make it for the second came (to Cobb County) and I wasn’t part of that year, but the graduation rate was 85 district; I wasn’t from the south, I wasn’t from percent.

Georgia. Did I politically map with the right school board members, the right community members? I What do you feel was one of your biggest accomplishments in Cobb think I got better at that. I probably could’ve done a better job my first couple of years, maybe if I had County? done so we could’ve been a different place.

I feel real good that we created

Above: SMILES THROUGH IT ALL: Clarke County School District Superintendent Philip Lanoue laughs as he talks about the ideal vacation he’d take if he had the time off. “I didn’t take any (vacation time) this year because I was here, I had one day, and that was the day I took down all the pictures in the house because I was leaving,” Lanoue said. “I would love to take two weeks, get a villa in Italy, cook and hang out ... I’ve never had a two week vacation, so I’d been intrigued by that.”

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didn’t want to go to, you know, “Who wants to go there?” “Why would you want to go there?” So I think it became or started to become anyway, the place to go because of what we were doing ...

So creating a lot a pride in that area and in those schools about what we were doing, those are the things I feel really good about. And obviously kids learning and the fact that we could ensure and know where each student was and advocate for

“The last four years of working in challenging communities and challenging schools and seeing success and smiles on people’s faces. That’s been the hardest work I’ve ever done and probably the most rewarding.”

a lot of trust in the leadership team and in schools. I’m in schools a lot.

Even here I’m in schools a lot, I’m in classrooms a lot. So I think we created a level of trust, and I think we also created a level of expectation of what we wanted to have happen in our classrooms so we could all talk about that and know what it looks like.

If it wasn’t happening, then people had to make some changes … I think that South Cobb, those schools were places that people

The New CCSD Superintendent What was the most nerve-racking part of the interview process for the Clarke County School District Superintendent position?

I really didn’t find it nerve-racking, I think what’s nerve-racking is the waiting. It wasn’t the interview, because I didn’t feel like I had to move. It wasn’t like if I wasn’t here it’d be awful. I really liked Clarke County, so I was excited about it, but I was just saying, let’s go through the process because when you get to this level, I think it’s a matter of fit.

If I’m a good fit, great. If I’m not, then I really loved

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Table of Contents Features what I was doing in Cobb County. So at times I was really nervous about that, because this is who I am, take me or not.

How do you think the transition of a new superintendent affect principals such as Clarke Central High School principal Dr. Robbie Hooker?

It really is, “Do we share the same beliefs about the kids?” And I think we do. I know we do, and so what I hope to be is to be a good sounding board and be able to pose the right questions, and my goal is to get us to where we need to be, and I think I bring to the table a lot of experience in a lot of different settings.

So, we’re kind of at this point of, if we want things to be different, we have to do something that’s different, and they may be research-based and they may be a little risky because no one’s ever done that, but we’re going to get the same results if we do the same thing.

What do you want to see change at CCHS? What do you want to see continued?

From the district, we’re continually examining policies, and I want to continue looking at those policies that may be more barriers than helping kids. Should we look at the attendance policy, should we look at graduation, should we look at discipline. Those are the three things that probably

May 2009 October

“I’ve got to get you to the graduation stage, because we’ve got 36% of our kids not graduating. And I’ve said openly, we’re hemorrhaging.”

-- Philip Lanoue, CCSD Superintendent have the biggest impact on you.

So those are always worth revising in terms of how those policies fit in to what I call a standardsbased environment which is, you’re in high-stakes testing, you’ve got standards, you’re assessed on what you know, not whether you sit in the seat or not.

What policies do you plan to implement in the CCSD? I would say this: I was more focused on beliefs than policies. Policies to me are constructs that we write. You can change those, but my whole piece coming in, and I looked a lot at the statistics, and there’s a lot of really great things and there are some things that aren’t so great.

So my piece coming in was, do you really believe all the kids can learn? Do you really believe that?

And if you do, what are you doing to act on the belief? What do you do differently? Because, maybe

I’m just getting old, but learning, it’s not about me and what I believe and it’s not about the teacher. It’s about whether you, as a student, can learn … Here, I’ve got to get you to the graduation stage, because we’ve got 36 percent of our kids not graduating. And I’ve said openly, we’re hemorrhaging. And in medical terms we’re not (in) triage. We’re dead on arrival. And that’s got to change.

Just by looking at the data, and this is not passing judgment, it’s just, if you believe all kids can learn, you can figure out ways to make that happen … If you think about it, if you’re teaching, someone has to be learning. If someone’s not learning, you can’t call that teaching, but we do ... I believe that being a teacher is being passionate about something and being able to share that passion with students. And if I can’t do that with every one of my students, I’ve got to work harder to do that.

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Talking with Terry Clarke County School District Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Terry McNamara speaks of her experience with current CCSD Superintendent, Philip Lanoue.

By lauren pruitt Features Editor

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is the interaction with What does your job entail?

My job is extremely interesting in that I deal with other school district personnel and the superintendent. so many different things that happen in the district.

I assist board members, attend all Board of Education meetings, principals meetings, leadership “He is very complimentary to team meetings, Superintendent Cabinet meetings and Administrative Team meetings, during those individuals who do a good which I take notes and then type them up for job and doesn’t hesitate to tell distribution to the various groups. When parents them so.” call to speak to the Superintendent, I will try to assist them and/or direct them to the correct -- Terry McNamara, individual to speak to.

CCSD Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

What kind of work do you do for the superintendent?

I type his correspondence, answer his telephone calls, prepare information for board meetings, schedule all his appointments and make sure he gets to his appointments on time and where he needs to be.

What are some of Dr. Lanoue’s mannerisms?

Dr. Lanoue is “on the go” all day long and is very energetic. He is very complimentary to those individuals who do a good job and doesn’t hesitate to tell them so. He is very considerate of people’s feelings.

How does Dr. Lanoue show his emotions? Is it easy or hard to tell what he is feeling?

Dr. Lanoue will indicate whether he is concerned about a program or something that has happened, but in a way as to try to solve the problem. He doesn’t really get upset. Dr. Lanoue will usually have a smile on his face and is ready to go to work.

He has a wonderful sense of humor and it shows.

If you were to describe Dr. Lanoue, what would you say?

Dr. Lanoue has a vision for the (Clarke County) School District, and that is to reduce the drop out rate, have as many students as possible succeed in school and to teach the Georgia Performance Standards. He is extremely energetic, hard working, but fair and considerate in his dealings with everyone.

He is working hard to maintain the community connection with the school district.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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October 2009

Variety

Photos courtesy of www.amazon.com, www.celebritywonder.com, www.slashflm.com

C u lt u r a l B u z z Away We Go, Sam Mendes As I walked into Ciné, I noticed something was off.

It was 9:45 p.m. on a Wednesday and the theater was completely packed. Bringing us all together was the directing of Sam Mendes and an excitement for the film to come.

Away We Go stars John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph as Burt Farlander and Verona De Tessant, a couple who is very much in love and expecting their first child together.

Burt, an insurance salesman, is a quirky but lovable guy who could not be more excited to become a father, while Verona, still deeply affected by her parent’s death, appears hesitant about her upcoming motherhood.

Hoping to avoid raising their child in the run-down town they currently live in, Burt and Verona go on a journey across the country with dreams of finding a place that feels like home.

Along their trip, the happy couple stops to visit old friends and family members. From each family they visit, Burt and Verona are forced to see the imperfections lying deep within even the most stable of people.

Written by Dave Eggers and Vandela Vida, Away We Go is filled with a tenderness and vulnerability that so many mainstream movies today lack. While heart-wrenching at times, the film left me with a feeling of hope towards the future and a smile on my face.

-- Lily Kohn, Features Writer

Movies Halloween, Rob Zombie As Michael Myers creeps, knife in hand, down the hallway after his weeping sister, I yelled at the screen, “Move! What are you doing? He’s right behind you!”

Director and musician, Rob Zombie, takes the 1978 thriller, Halloween, to the next level. Nothing is left to the imagination in the tale of Michael Myers killing his family, going to jail and escaping to seek revenge.

Zombie’s twists on John Carpenter’s original production left me confused. Anything that could add more nudity, sexual situations and inappropriate language was added to appease Zombie’s tastes.

Hopefully, this will be the last of Zombie’s horror movies that I will see. I’ll stick to the classic, psychological thrillers that leave you frightened and avoid simply gruesome horrors.

-- Lauren Pruitt, Features Editor

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Music Tell No One, Guillaume Canet Tell No One is a 2009 French film that revolves around deception.

This film stars Francois Cluzet as Alexandre Beck who lost his wife, Margot Beck (Marie-Josée Croze) eight years earlier to a brutal murder.

It was a lengthy film to sit through, but made up for it by keeping me alert with action and drama.

I enjoyed Tell No One because it brought out the beauty of European culture, and showed off the gorgeous locations in Europe.

However, at times the film was hard to follow due to the English-French language barrier and the twisting plot line.

-- Tamar Schmidt, News Writer

“The Great Adventures of Slick Rick,” Slick Rick “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick” by Slick Rick is a refreshing departure from the auto-tune saturated tracks that are ever-present in today’s hip-hop scene.

Released in 1988, Rick’s influence is referenced in Keri Hilson’s hit single, “Knock You Down.”

Rick steers clear of most of the mindless profanity often found in the music of more contemporary artists such as T.I. and Lil’ Wayne.

This album features laid-back, but distinct beats coupled with concise, unique lyrics, but it has no shortage of sexual references in songs such as, “Treat Her Like a Prostitute.”

This album includes quite a medley of sentiment, and is humorous, serious and somewhat misogynistic in style but is musically original and definitely a classic.

-- Jesse Siebintritt, News Writer

“King of Kings,” Tito Puente In his CD “King of Kings,” Tito Puente promises Latin rhythm and Hispanic groove on every track.

Puente incorporates instruments such as the maracas, Conga drums, and his most famous instrument of choice, the Timbales. The Timbales were invented on the tropical island of Cuba, and are two steel drums affixed with cowbells to keep time.

Puente was a pioneer of Afro-Cuban and Caribbean sound, which later fused to make the everso-popular salsa. This could not be more evident in his CD. All the songs stimulate your senses like none other than Puente can do.

This CD revolves around the salsa and mambo scene while sprinkling some Latin jazz into the mix. Songs such as, “A Gozar Timbero,” and “Saca Tu Mujer,” really encompass the King of Kings that is Tito Puente.

-- Alexander Boza, Graphics Staff

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Variety

October 2009

Photos courtesy of www.slipperybrick.com, www.thevarsity.com, www.wordpress.com

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Restaurants Ike & Jane Cafe and Bakery, 1307 Prince Ave. Pulling up to see most of the parking spaces full at Ike and Jane Café and Bakery, I was prepared for a long wait in line inside a cramped little restaurant. As I stepped inside, I realized that this assumption had been far from the truth.

The simple breakfast menu consisted of ham, bacon, egg and cheese on a biscuit, two for $3 and three for $3.50. The lunch menu is mostly sandwiches, all reasonably priced.

The “bakery” more than lives up to its name.

Many unusual recipes are offered, and you won’t find these anywhere else. The “Elvis” is a glazed doughnut topped with banana slices, peanut butter and bacon. Other pastries include Butterfinger doughnuts and peanut butter and jelly cupcakes, all reasonably priced for under $2.

Aside from delicious food, Ike and Jane offers free Wi-Fi, fast service, and friendly employees. The brightly painted walls, big windows and artwork all contribute to the and comfortable atmosphere.

-- Isabel Atkinson, Photograpy Editor

Books The Varsity, 1000 W. Broad St. Upon entering The Varsity, the smell of all things fried surrounded me and the friendly staff acknowledged my presence.

The Varsity in Athens, Ga. has been in business for over 70 years. The original Varsity was located in Atlanta, Ga. and was later brought to Athens.

Looking over the menu, I found the items listed were moderately priced.

Individual items, such as a hot dog were about $1.50.

“I need a naked dog, strings and a squirt one!” the cashier yelled to the cooks after I ordered.

The Varsity lingo is understood by all employees, and even some loyal customers. A “naked dog” is a plain hotdog, “strings” are French fries, etc.

Although the setting was entertaining and the service quick, taking my first bite of food was a different experience. The naked dog was not exactly what I expected as it was undercooked, but the overall experience was fun and charming. I’d suggest The Varsity to anyone who wants something quick and cheap, but not to anyone seeking high class dining.

-- Mollie Sherman, Sports Writer

Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal, Eric Schlosser Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser is supposedly the reason why many people are no longer customers of fast food restaurants.

I found this novel to be filled with useless, repetitive information, not ground-breaking facts that kept me out of the line at McDonald’s.

I will say that Schlosser did a phenomenal job researching the topic. He covered everything with immense detail, answering any questions a reader might have. But unfortunately, these details were rarely interesting.

Critics claim that after reading this novel you will never eat fast food again. Well, I sure did.

There were sections of the book that were disturbing, but the book was too boring to make a lasting impression on my eating habits.

I am proud to say that I finished the novel and learned a few too many pointless facts along the way, but Fast Food Nation certainly did not make it anywhere close to being on my favorite books list.

-- Emily Allen, News Editor

Along for the Ride, Sarah Dessen Author Sarah Dessen has done it again: created a dream world for a reader to get lost in. Of all the nine books Dessen has written, Along for the Ride is one of her best works.

Along for the Ride is all about a life “quest”: journeys that we all must go on in order to fulfill what we truly want in life.

Recent high school graduate, insomniac and brainiac, Auden West, has never been to a party, had a boyfriend or a friend for that matter. She is socially inept, but she likes it that way.

Auden goes on a “quest” with newfound friend and love, Eli. Auden’s “quest,” which Eli lays out for her, is to do all of the things she missed out on in high school, like food fights and riding a bike.

Dessen takes you into the mind of someone who thought all of these things were impossible.

She shows you a whole new way of seeing how other people think and lets you embrace the exciting feeling of a new experience -- Lexi Deagen, Managing Editor

Madden NFL ‘10, EA Sports Tiburon The National Football League video game juggernaut is back in the form of Madden ‘10, the 21st installment in the John Madden Football series. While it brings many new features and updated graphics that come with every new installment of the series, it still fails to address several key issues remaining from Madden ‘09.

Madden ‘10 runs much cleaner than earlier titles, it’s incredibly easy to just pick up and play and is probably the most realistic feeling Madden to date.

That being said, the run blocking is still terrible. Defensive linemen and linebackers tore through my offensive line on run plays. My running back was getting gang tackled in the backfield by four, sweaty 300-pound linemen before I even knew what was happening.

The one thing that has always been consistent in the Madden series is the commentary, and yes, it is still awful. The announcer who breaks down replays and goes off on tangents about what you did wrong really isn’t that bad. The play-by-play man is what really drags the commentary from decent to downright shameful.

Another frustrating thing about Madden ‘10, are the new referee cut scenes. The game will stop for about a minute while you watch the referees meander out onto the field to measure the distance from the ball to the first down marker. It’s inconvenient and a complete waste of time.

Despite all these flaws Madden ‘10 will keep people coming back for more just because it’s Madden.

-- Alexander Morris, Graphics and Design Editor

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October 2009

Variety

A 60-year family pilgrimage The Mayflower, a small, family-run restaurant on Broad St. has managed to stay afloat for over half a century.

Photos by Isabel Atkinson

going to open on Mon“People have become more health conscious, so day morning, they had we’ve added more baked chicken dishes and grilled no name for it, and they chicken salads to accommodate (them),” Ricky said. saw a Mayflower moving Even with a healthier menu, the Mayflower holds van. They just saw Maytrue to its roots by serving good ‘ole southern flower and said, ‘Why cooking. don’t we just call it the Both the breakfast and lunch menus are full of Mayflower Restaurant?’” it: biscuits and gravy, hot cakes, country ham, eggs After 15 years of opand grits, fried chicken, rib eye steak, fried okra and eration, it was then purmashed potatoes. chased in 1963 by John “What can I get for you today? Hot cakes? and Ollie Richardson, Biscuits? You name it.” aunt and uncle of the present-day manager. Ricky’s wife, Lisa, is the owner, while Ricky himself manages the Mayflower from day-to-day.

“In 1965, my mother and dad (Ben and Ethel Vaughn) came in and started the business with them,” Ricky

By Kinsey Clark ou can hear the clangsaid. “My dad bought his part in 1979, and I Variety Editor ing of pans from the went to work for my dad. Then I bought him kitchen and smell the out in December of 1990, and I’ve ran it since fresh, sizzling bacon as you make your way into the then. It’s been in my family since 1963 when small, red, black and white themed restaurant. my uncle and “Well, hello aunt bought it.” there. Take a With the seat anywhere. exception of Someone will be minimal changes right with you.” to keep the Nothing but kitchen in shape, pure southern the restaurant has hospitality greets -- Ricky vaughn, managed to mainyou, and it’s Mayflower Restaurant manager tain its original been that way charm. since 1948.

“The counter is the original counter that The hole-in-the-wall, family-run Mayflower was put in, in 1948. These booths are the Restaurant sits across from the historic University original booths although they have been of Georgia Arch on Broad Street, humbly claiming re-covered. The tables are the original tables. its honor of being one of the oldest businesses in (The) stools are exactly what they were when Athens, Ga. the place was put in,” Ricky said. “The toastAbove: HARD DAY’S WORK: The Mayflower Restaurant’s “It’s probably the longest (running restaurant) manager Ricky Vaughn works day in and day out making ers and that kind of stuff have been replaced, that I know of in Athens,” Mayflower Manager Ricky but the six door refrigerator (in the back) was sure the restaurant runs smoothly. Located on 171 E. Broad St., this family restaurant is over 60 years old, the oldest in Vaughn said. installed in 1948.”

Athens. Top: ALL IN THE FAMILY: Famous cartoonist Jack The Mayflower was originally opened by ClarAlthough the overall appearance and family Davis drew this picture that hangs proudly on the wall of ence Fulcher in 1948 at 171 E. Broad St. the Mayflower Restaurant. Ricky Vaughn, his wife Lisa and atmosphere of The Mayflower has remained “The name has been the same since it opened cousin Lynn Church are all featured, dressed as pilgrims. The the same for over 60 years, the menu has restaurant has been in Ricky’s family since his aunt and uncle - The Mayflower,” Ricky said. “The origin of that evolved to stand the test of time. purchased it in 1963. name was on Sunday afternoon before they were

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“It requires a lot of hours if you’re going to run (a restaurant) and run it right.

You have to love it.”

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Variety

October 2009

Above: SERVING UP THE GOOD STUFF: Waitress and Vaughn family member Lynn Church serves first-time customers Jackie and David Kettering their early-morning breakfast. “I like the ambiance of the restaurant, and the service is great,” Jackie said. The Mayflower is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., serves breakfast all day Saturday from 6:30 a.m - 12:00 p.m. and is also open on Sundays from 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

With the highest priced menu item being the seafood platter for $9.95, the Mayflower offers affordability to families with anxious mouths to feed and college students trying to make ends meet.

Because of the reasonable prices and delicious food, UGA Law professor and long-time customer Eugene Wilkes visits the Mayflower every day for its lunch specials.

“I first started going to the Mayflower in 1971, and I’ve been going almost every day for the last 20 years,” Wilkes said. “The food is excellent and home cooked, which is hard to find. On Thursdays (it’s) Spaghetti Day. Spaghetti Day on Thursday is a big day in my life.”

Besides the spaghetti, Wilkes attributes his everyday visits to the family atmosphere and sufficient service.

“Well, it’s a family owned restaurant, which I greatly prefer to the franchise restaurants. The people who run it are very friendly and nice, and I enjoy their company. The service is fast, I don’t have to wait, and it’s very convenient for people who are at the university. It’s right catty-corner from the Arch,” Wilkes said.

“Let me refill that coffee for you, Honey.”

Ricky’s cousin, Lynn Church, has served happy

customers for over 20 years. She’s quick with a do the same in time, keeping the restaurant a part quip, telling customers that they don’t serve water of the family tradition. on Saturdays, or simply joking while making “Well, I’m 52 years old, so I don’t plan on getting conversation. out of it any time soon,” Ricky said. “I’d say I’ve got “I like workanother 10 or 15 years that I ing with customwould be interested in doing ers because I it. My son probably would like to kid with have some interest (in running them,” Church the business). I’m satisfied if said. “I’ve (my son and daughter) could enjoyed working work out an agreement where -- Eugene Wilkes, they would run it together. We here. I have no long-time Mayflower customer would probably try to keep it idea when (I’ll stop), I just keep in the family.” on a working.”

Ricky’s plan of keeping the Mayflower in the famWith a positive, motivated mindset, the Mayflowily, gives the longest running restaurant in Athens a er staff has managed to keep the family business strong future. going for decades.

“Y’all come back, now, and have a nice day.”

“It ain’t extremely hard work, but it requires a lot By upholding its values of serving quality food of hours if you’re going to run (a restaurant) and for a quality price, the Mayflower Restaurant run it right,” Vaughn said. “I’m here every day from remains an Athenian tradition. the time it opens to the time it closes, and I work “It’s really the last of the old time family restauseven days a week. You have to be dedicated. You rants in downtown Athens,” Wilkes said. “It’s sort of have to love it.” an institution.”

Ricky’s dedication gets him up every morning ready to work. He hopes his son and daughter will

“The service is fast, I don’t have to wait, and it’s very convenient ...”

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October 2009

Variety Swinging to the beat

Trying a new look A trip to the Golden Comb works out well for this GoldieLocks.

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Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Above: TAKING BABY OUT OF THE CORNER: Clarke Central High School senior Gayatri Setia receives swing lessons from University of Georgia sophomore Graham Wallis during one of Buffalo’s Southwest Café’s Dine and Dance Nights on Sept. 1. Setia later watched as the DJ, Bugg, joined the people on the floor and started dancing. “With swing, it’s three minutes of kind of what they call a date.

You meet ‘em, you date ‘em and then you send ‘em home,” Bugg said.

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s I opened the door to the Golden Comb, located on 218 Hawthorne Ave, the sweet smell of perfume and hair products surrounded me.

The salon was spacious and inviting, down to the white noise from the soap opera on TV. I sat expectantly in a comfortable leather chair to await my turn.

This styling was very different for me beby marisa mustard cause the Golden Comb is a hair salon with Variety Writer a predominantly African American clientele.

The owner, Irish Gresham, was going to do my hair and came over to help me pick out my new style; I think she could tell I was nervous. I had no clue what any of the styles were called, but managed to explain to her what I wanted.

This was definitely a new experience for me, considering that when I go to a salon, I just get my hair cut, I’ve never actually had it done up with gel and twists.

“You’re getting it all done, aren’t you?” Gresham said.

I was getting flat twists on the side, crimps in the back, and a pump on top, a style that would normally cost 50 dollars.

As Gresham started to twist my hair, my scalp began to hurt. She apologized constantly for the discomfort and promised I would soon be done and looking good.

The whole procedure took an hour of patience, a little pain, and a lot of hair gel, but when I looked in the mirror, it was not bad at all.

Although I do not see myself getting another elaborate hairdo anytime soon, my experience with the Golden Comb was a pleasant one because of the wonderful service and welcoming atmosphere.

Photo by Dylan Reeves

Above: GETTIN’ ALL DONE UP: Irish Gresham, owner of the Golden Comb, located on 218 Hawthorn Ave. gives Clarke Central High School sophomore Marisa Mustard a new hairdo. Left: NEW DO: Marisa Mustard’s new hairdo; a pump, with flat twists on the side, and crimps in the back.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

here isn’t anything truly remarkable about Tuesday nights.

Correction: There wasn’t anything truly remarkable about Tuesday nights until the first time I went to Buffalo’s Southwest Café Dine and Dance Night.

As I walked down the hall to the Big Back Room of Buffalo’s, I heard the pulsing beats of the music, and suddenly I couldn’t wait to pay the five dollar fee and get to the dancing.

I went on swing night, and I saw the people who had been a part of swing dancing in Athens for up to 10 years mingling easily with the first-timers.

It didn’t matter that I had little to no swing training. There were instructors, whose lessons were included in the five dollar fee I paid at the door, and they taught beginners for an hour. But lessons or no, on the dance floor, all technique flew out the window.

We all gathered into a Swing Circle, where one couple danced in the middle and everyone around them clapped along to the music, with people tagging in to be part of the dancing couple. The DJ, Bugg, in particular, came out and danced with us, stomping, kicking, swinging and most of all, laughing.

“It’s important to be able to let loose on the dance floor. You can do technique all you want, and that’s fine, but you’ve got to have fun,” Bugg said.

Before I arrived at Buffalo’s that evening, I was convinced that I was going to be the youngest person there, and I would end up standing awkwardly on the side while the older couples danced and enjoyed themselves.

It turned out I was the youngest, but not by much. In fact, most of the people dancing were college students and part of the University of Georgia’s Swing Club, but there were also many who were out of college.

Although I felt a little awkward at first, I didn’t stay a wallflower for long; two members of the Swing Club taught me the basics of swing dancing, and after that I danced a few songs with a guy who has swing danced for 10 years.

The entire dance was like that. Everybody was patient with one another, and they were just there to have a good time. I enjoyed watching and dancing among them. And at just five dollars a night whenever I’m in the mood for some dancing, I’ll be down at Buffalo’s swinging the night away.

Variety

October 2009

Forgotten but not lost “For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall

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ll that can be heard in the expanse of the once-living … is silence.

In the shade of the majestic Georgia pines, are weathered stones protruding from the earth. There is no sign or fence, no guard telling intruders to get out. It’s just there, as if someone tucked it away and can’t remember where they left it.

“I heard there was a cemetery beside Clarke Middle School, but I’ve never visited it,” Clarke Central High School freshman Daily Diaz said.

The Brooklyn Cemetery was founded in 1888 as an African- American place of rest. The cemetery lies in the woods next to CMS. In the past, it was used mainly by impoverished, black members in the community.

The cemetery also received “pauper burials” from the county. These were blacks who did not have anyone to claim their body or incur expenses.

“We think that there are easily over 1,000 burials in Brooklyn Cemetery, but less than 300 are identified,” former CMS science teacher Karl Scott said.

Scott is the supervisor and coordinator of clean up days to improve the site.

Scott’s plan, along with other members of the Brooklyn Cemetery board, is to recognize as many of those buried there as possible by using county records, funeral announcements, etc. They are hoping to establish a list of “suspected burials,” in addition to those known from grave markers.

“Eventually we would like to have an interpretive kiosk and a wall of names for people who

BY KATIE DOWNS Variety Writer

want to visit the cemetery, so they can appreciate what’s there,” Scott said.

Scott regards cemeteries as sacred places for emotional gain.

“Besides being a place of rest for the deceased, cemeteries, for me, are peaceful places for the living to go, to meditate or to learn,” Scott said.

Due to its convenient proximity to the school, Scott feels the cemetery has incredible potential to teach students about history, research skills and service to the community.

However, the teaching abilities the site possesses have a tendency to be overshadowed by its lack of maintenance.

“The cemetery was completely blocked and overgrown. Most of the gravestones were completely hidden. I thought the memory of those buried here should be honored and that their story deserved to be told,” Scott said.

Because of the cemetery’s ill repair, members of the community have met at CMS to help restore the city of the dead.

Sophomore Ariel Voyles participated in cemetery workdays during her 7th and 8th grade years at CMS. “The work wasn’t too bad.

We cleaned up headstones and made the paths visible,” Voyles said.

Volyes believes in the upkeep of the cemetery and values it as an important Athens landmark.

“I think (maintaining cemeteries) is important; people will respect it more if it’s more manicured,” Voyles said.

The cemetery has a story that goes farther back than its weathered tombstones, and despite the rotting appearance of the Brooklyn Cemetery, the rich culture buried there refuses to decompose.

Photo by Lexi Deagen Photo illustration by Tyler Elrod

Photo courtesy of Karl Scott

give thee thanks?”

Left: DISCOVERING THE PAST: Sixth graders at Clarke Middle School gather in the Brooklyn Cemetery on Martin Luther King Day in 2006 to recognize those buried and make plans for a clean-up day.

Below: IN REMEMBRANCE: A tombstone bearing evidence of a heroic life is among many in the graveyard. Thomas W. Norman, a World War II veteran was put to rest in the Brooklyn Cemetery in 1969. “(I can’t) bridge the generations to really grasp what it must have been like to be a black American, perhaps a veteran, in Jim Crow Georgia,” former CMS science teacher, Karl Scott said.

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October 2009

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Variety

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Variety

October 2009

Breaking bread daily

Serving meals Sunday through Saturday, Our Daily Bread soup kitchen assists Athens’ homeless one brown bag at a time.

Variety Writer

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Photos by Isabel Atkinson

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t is raining outside, yet “We have over 50 different youth groups the line of people exand civic organizations that come and voluntends out the door, down teer on a regular basis. That number keeps the side of the building, around the corner, up a on growing -- so much that we have actually small hill and into the parking lot 30 yards away. had to deny people wanting to volunteer Today is Sunday, a sack meal day. The line because we already had all the help we outside of the Our Daily Bread soup kitchen is not needed,” Caine said. getting any shorter. Hungry guests keep arriving, Many volunteer organizations, church awaiting their meal. youth groups and Oconee Street UMC “It seems like the line grows longer with each members volunteer in the soup kitchen on a meal we serve,” former ODB director Lisa Caine regular basis. said.

“I had served at Our Daily Bread before I had served in soup kitchens before, and I (with my youth group), but what I remember figured that today would be the same experience is that there is always something going on,” as the last. It was a Sunday evening in February, Clarke Central High School sophomore and it was bitterly cold outside. I figured the soup James Foutz said. “Someone is always doing kitchen would be packed. something. There was definitely a lot of help Our Daily Bread, located at 717 Oconee St. in there to get the meal ready.”

Athens, Rule #1: No Ga., is carry-outs. operRule #2: If ated by you showed up, Oconee then you got “It seems like the line grows Street food.

United I looked Opposite Page: UNCLE JEMIMA: An Our Daily Bread longer with each meal we serve,” around Meththe volunteer prepares breakfast for guests. ODB, a prominent soup kitchen in Athens is located at 717 Oconee St. as a part odist room as our -- LISA CAINE , of the Oconne St. United Methodist Church. Breakfast is Church. host explained served at ODB Monday through Friday. Above: READY former Our Daily Bread director Started that we would FOR THE RUSH: An ODB volunteer sets the drinks out for an evening meal. Many of the supplies and food that are

by Reverprobably have used for the meals are donated by the community. “We are end Ted 200 guests that proud of our success and overjoyed that the soup kitchen Staton, evening. I wasn’t serves so many that are hungry,” former ODB director Lisa ODB too intimidated Caine said. began operation in 1989, serving around a dozen by the number -- I had done this before. of so many people lining up for dinner was not people per meal. According to the Oconee Street But as the line outside grew longer and affecting me. Then I thought about how I looked UMC website, it now serves over 875 people a longer, my confidence slightly diminished. in their eyes: some spoiled, white kid serving the week.

Volunteers who come to offer their services at homeless, hoping that it will be his ticket into “Back when Our Daily Bread was started, there ODB are only asked to help prepare and serve the heaven. were very few soup kitchens in Athens that served meal. However, many of the volunteers end up The line outside ODB is shorter now. It has throughout the week. Most just served meals on having a more well-rounded experience. stopped raining, and the last few guests are receivthe weekends,” Dorothy Newland, who works with “The cool thing was that I didn’t end up just ing their sack meals. Nearly two hours have passed ODB through Covenant Presbyterian Church, said. serving. I never thought that I would be talking to since the first guest opened up their brown bag “That is why Our Daily Bread is so significant. They some of the (guests) while I was there,” Foutz said, supper. are really committed to serving those in need.” “but they were really nice and fun to talk to.”

Despite recieving a few frightening glares and As I stood in Our Daily Bread for the first time, I I was amazed by the few people who smiled, questioning looks, I found that I was happy to be immediately realized how small it was. The walls and said thank you as I served them. there. My youth group had served over 230 people were painted a boring shade of white, and the tile But the majority of the people I saw looked in an hour, and I was proud of that. I didn’t once floor and ceiling were also an equally dreary, pale angry. They seemed to be full of hatred. I could color. The building looked almost crummy and in tell just by looking at their clothes that they had to think about whether or not I was being smiled down upon. need of repair. But as I looked closer, I realized struggle from day to day. Their expressions gave And now, preparation will begin for the next that it was simply too worn in. away what they were obviously trying to hide: serving. As long as there are hungry people to feed, Our Daily Bread requires a significant amount of they had to be there, or they wouldn’t eat that the workers at Our Daily Bread will have a meal labor, and, according to Caine, the work is mostly evening. waiting. done by volunteers.

I tried to keep smiling, pretending that the sight

by Chris Harper

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May 2009

Sports

The Box Score

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Seniors exposed This summer, Clarke Central High School seniors Babatunde Olyumyiwa and Arion Bolds had the opportunity to travel to Marietta, Ga. where they attended Georgia’s Hoop Dream Camp.

Their play would guide them towards the Smryna Stars, who travelled to the Peach State Classic, which is an exposure camp for high school athletes to be seen by colleges.

“The competition was harder up there then it is down here.

You just have to practice harder then you normally do,” Olyumyiwa said.

To end their summer, Olyumyiwa and Bolds were invited to Orlando, Fla. to play for the AAU National Championship with the Middle Georgia Bucks. The Bucks fell short as they would go on to lose in the Elite Eight. lex

by A

rris

Mo

Left: EXTRA INNINGS: Senior Jay Swinford practices his swing in preparation for the upcoming season. The team finished its summer schedule with a 1-0 win against Oconee County High School. Swinford is one of seven returning seniors planning to improve on last years 14-10 record.

Photo taken from ODYSSEY archives

Go hard or go home “Lift Hard, Lift Heavy, BREAK Records.”

This is the motto that the CCHS football team initiated this summer.

Two seniors, Terrance Bradshaw and Ryan Faust, both broke the all-time power clean record with 305 pounds. Bradshaw and Faust were contributors to last year’s team, Bradshaw being one of the two leading tacklers on the team, and Faust a sack leader. Aside from Bradshaw and Faust, 95 percent of the players broke their own personal records in

at least one of the three lifts.

The CCHS football team also participated in a tournament. The team finished second place out of a possible 12 teams in the High School Player Development Program, hosted at West Hall High School in Oakwood, Ga. “If the team can take the success we had this summer into the regular season we are sure to have a very successful football season,” CCHS defensive backs coach Peter Graybeck said.

Shining “All” Stars Athens All-Star Wrestling Club, a combination high school wrestlers located in and around Athens, combined in an effort to compete in the Georgia National Wrestling Alliance.

Three CCHS students, sophomore Kadeem Combs who wrestled at 135 pounds, junior Devonte Upshaw who wrestled at 112 pounds., and senior Derrick Smalls who wrestled at 119 pounds, were three members of the club. All competed well and each had winning records.

The most remarkable moment of the summer came when Upshaw defeated Billy Abramhason of Heritage High School, who is nationally ranked in the 112 class. Upshaw has faced off against Abramhason in previous region matches, but was never victorious.

“I am very cautiously optimistic this year. We graduated two players, and 15 to 16 players are coming back. I have a feeling that we can be really good this year and compete for the region title,” head wrestling coach Tim Stoudenmire said.

Above: STRIEP ‘EN STAB: Clarke Cenral High School sophomore Johnny Striepen attempted to obtain possession of a ball during a scrimmage.

Striepen attended the Coastal Carolina Soccer Camp at Middle Georgia College this summer to improve his skills.

Elite eight

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uring the summer, Clarke Central High School sophomore soccer players Sean Corley, Robert Henderson, Johnny Striepen, juniors David Harper, Jakob Kagel, Clay Colwell and seniors Foster Elrod and Tom Lingard attended the Coastal Carolina Soccer Camp which was housed at Middle Georgia College in Cochran, Ga. The team was given the opportunity to be instructed by college coaches and former professional soccer players from all over the world.

They were on a demanding schedule for four days, playing from 6:45 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. “(The camp) helped me play a lot faster and it was good conditioning. It was really hard, but at the end of the day you felt good,” Colwell said.

Swinging out of season

Greenbrier High School, Flowery Branch High School, South Gwinnett high School, Central Gwinnett High School, and Norcross High School.

The Glads finished the summer with he Clarke Central High School a 1-0 win against rival school, OCHS. baseball team competed in the Coach Kyle Kirk believes that the games firstAnnual Greater Athens Diamond hosted this summer and later this year Classic, which was a series of games will help his baseball program during played against neighboring counties. the regular season.

After this competition ended in “Our preseason schedule will be the first week of August, the CCHS varsity baseball team helped host North very challenging this year and will preOconee’s Summer Slam the following pare us mentally for the always tough Region 8AAAA. We have an opportunity week.

The summer schedule for the varsity to take a huge step this season with hard work and sacrifice,” Kirk said. baseball team included games against

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--Compiled by the Sports Staff

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ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Sports

May 2009

Becoming the Family Guy rock Miller, a Math department teacher at Clarke Central High School, has been involved with football his entire life. As the defensive line coach at CCHS, football became the first priority for Brock.

“I slept in my classroom on an air mattress with a blanket. I called it my ‘Game Day Condo,’” Brock said.

Brock’s demanding position took away time from his wife, Ashlie, and two sons, Jack, 7 and Thomas, 4, for more than six years. Last spring, however, Brock resigned from his coaching position, allowing him to focus on his family.

“I decided I was going to worry about my sons more than I was going to worry about other people’s sons,” Brock said.

Brock’s decision was an incredibly difficult one for him to make, as football had occupied so much of his life. Not only did he play in college at the University of Washington for two years, but he coached for nearly 15 years, five of which were at CCHS. Brock felt his high-maintenance coaching schedule required him to push aside his family, so he could devote all of his energy and time into football.

“You know you have a job to do and you have to do it,” Brock said. “And there was nothing I could change about that until the season was over.”

Ashlie felt a void in her household. She called football season her “widow season” because of Brock’s hours away from home.

“There were times when he didn’t see the kids for three or four days. It was just hard because I was trying to support something that he loved. But at the same time, I wasn’t a single-parent mom, yet I felt like one,” Ashlie said.

Also a full-time teacher, Ashlie was compelled to act as the main caregiver in their children’s lives.

“I was frustrated and exhausted because I’d taught all day (in Greene County) too, and I had to get Jack and Thomas bathed, dressed, fed and all that.

Above left: SIDELINE SMILES: Former Defensive Line Coach Brock Miller And then ( Jack and I) would both start crying. Jack would be crying because congratulates Clarke Central High School graduate Jamorris Swain after a win in he wanted his daddy and I’d be crying because I wanted his daddy, too,” Ashlie a scrimmage against Oconee County High School on Aug. 24, 2007. “I’ll miss the said. relationships with the kids,” Miller said. Above right: A & B TEAM: Brock and The stress on his wife and family sunk in for Brock.

Ashlie Miller vacationed in Scottsdale, Ariz. in the early summer of 2003. Below: BROCK’S BOYS: Miller’s sons Jack, 7, and Thomas, 4, have seen more of their “I’d be at football practice and Thomas was just kind of babbling words. I father since his resignation. “I got more time with my children,” Brock said. “That came home from practice sometime later during the season and I said, ‘Hey, right there is worth the money loss.”

Thomas’,” Brock said. “I was only expecting a ‘Hey’ or something. But instead he said, ‘Hey, Daddy, how are you doing?’ And I was just thinking ‘Man, I just positive effects for his family. It has lessened his workload dramatically so that missed a whole bunch of your life.’” instead of working from six a.m. to nine p.m. or later, Brock now works from Prior to the start of spring football in April, Brock decided to resign his duaround eight a.m. to four p.m.. ties as a coach. He did so without consulting Ashlie.

“While (Ashlie) is cooking supper I get to go outside and water the plants, “I do whatever. And I’m even able to go to my son’s soccer games, baseball never “There were times when he didn’t games, etc.,” Brock said. “I just missed all that stuff before. You don’t have encourtime for the little basic things when you’re a football coach.” see the kids for three or four days.

It aged him During the 2009-10 football season, Brock plans to support the team from to give up was just hard because I was trying to the bleachers rather than on the sideline. It will be a new perspective for football.

Brock, but Ashlie is a bit apprehensive. support something that he loved.”

That is “I hope that I can give him the emotional support that he needs. I know a part of -- Ashlie Miller, that on Friday nights it’s going to be very hard for him to not be on the field,” him and wife of former assistant football coach Brock Miller Ashlie said.

I’m not Ashlie is not alone in her anxiety. Brock also realizes this will be a hard going to decision to maintain and is already struggling with the absence of the sport. take part However, he is simultaneously excited about the new season. of him away. He made his decision to quit football on his own to be a father “I still feel like there’s a part of me out on the field right now,” Brock said. “I and I respect and admire that,” Ashlie said. hope (CCHS) wins every game. I hope they win every game by 50.”

Although he misses the coaches and players, Brock’s resignation has had Claire dennis Sports Writer

Photo courtesy of Brock Miller

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Photo courtesy of ODYSSEY Archives

It seems today that all you see is violence in sports and football on T.V. But where are those good old fashioned values, on which we used to rely?

Lucky there’s a family guy…

Photo courtesy of Brock Miller

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

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May 2009

Sports

Coach Billy Henderson’s day in the sun Fourteen years after his retirement as head football coach and Athletic Director of Clarke Central High School, Billy Henderson’s former players, coaches and the CCHS community honored the man and his legacy.

By Lauren Corcino Senior Copy Editor

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within the team. By incorporating weekly family dinners, locker room talks with former players and prayer sessions before every game, the football players formed relationships with each other based on trust and companionship both on and off the field.

“On our team there were no white people, no black people, no Hispanic people, no Asian people, none of that. (Henderson) always taught family.

We would go to each other’s houses on Thursday nights and have dinner and would talk about life.

We always looked forward to that. It was a time when we would get together as a family - a closeknit family. When we came together as one, we could do anything that we wanted,” Brown said.

Henderson’s legacy extended beyond the field.

Former CCHS varsity football player Stan Baker,

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Photo courtesy of ODYSSEY archives

ourteen years after hanging up his coaching whistle, former Clarke Central High School football coach Billy Henderson was once again reunited with his former players on Sept.11, 2009 who came to remember a man who was more to them than just a dedicated coach—but as a father. “(Henderson) was like a father to his players.

Fathers will make you toe the line. They are not going to back off on certain standards and Billy never backed off. His players knew what his expectations were. Kids met his expectations whether they wanted to or not,” CCHS Gifted Facilitator Ray Clark said .

Starting his coaching career at CCHS in 1973, Henderson worked alongside his football players instilling discipline, dedication and hard work into them both on and off the field.

With 286 victories and three state championships during his 23 years of coaching at CCHS, Hender-

son never lost sight of what was most important-teaching his players about life.

Henderson motivated his players to believe in themselves and convinced them they could be successful in life if they put their mind to it. Former CCHS running back Sgt. Kenneth Brown of the Athens - Clarke County Police Department knows Henderson’s motivational skills firsthand. As the starting running back on the varsity football team during his sophomore year, Brown felt the pressure to perform well from his fellow teammates when he played for CCHS during 1981-1985.

“When I first started out as running back, I wasn’t sure if I could do it. Coach Henderson came up to me every day and said ‘You’re my guy. I believe in you. I have faith in you and I know you can do the job.’ He saw the potential in me that I did not see in myself at the time,” Brown said.

Arriving at CCHS two years after the school was formally integrated, Henderson helped bridge the gap of segregation on the football field by creating a family dynamic

Left: REMEMBERING THE GOOD DAYS: Henderson and one of his assistant coaches of ten years, John Barnette, reminiscence about their years coaching together and the memories they formed. Above: HARD WORK PAYS OFF: In his 23 years of coaching at Clarke Central High School, Henderson accumlated 286 wins and three state championships. On the field,Henderson instilled in his players the value of hard work and the rewards that can come from it.

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Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Photo by Alexander Boza

Above: IT’S ALL ABOUT FAMILY: Surrounded by his former players, Henderson stood beside all of his players for the last time. More than 100 players attended the tribute to commemorate the coach who went above and beyond in his duties as a coach. Left: LOOKING BACK ON THE YEARS: Coach Billy Henders0n looks across the field at the stadium that bears his name. Henderson’s goal for the night was to walk across the field one last time with the help of a former player.

Right: MORE THAN THE AWARDS: Henderson was presented with a sterling silver football and a plaque by the Gladiator Foundation as a way to thank Henderson for his achievements and all that he has done for Clarke Central High Schools a coach and a mentor.

Photo by Alexander Boza

“One rainy day while I was waiting for my mom to pick me up after practice, (Henderson) gave me the coat off of his own back so that I would not get wet while waiting. That’s not something a normal coach would do for you. That’s something a father would do.”

-- STAN BAKER, Clarke Central High School varsity football player, 1991-95

Photo courtesy of ODYSSEY archives

who played for Henderson from 1991-1995, remembers him as a compassionate, caring coach.

Even towards the end of Henderson’s career at CCHS, when Baker played, Henderson still focused on being a dad.

“One rainy day while I was waiting for my mom to pick me up after practice, (Henderson) gave me the coat off of his own back so that I would not get wet while waiting. That’s not something a normal coach would do for you. That’s something a father would do,” Baker said.

The Gladiator Foundation, which is an alumni group started by a group of former players still residing in Athens, Ga., decided in 2007 that there should be a tribute for Henderson with all of his former players. After two years of detailed planning, the tribute finally came together.

“I’m so thankful that we were able to make this tribute happen, because (Henderson) is so deserving,” Gladiator Foundation member John Alexander said.

Crowded in the Miller C. Jordan Cafeteria, former players and their families waited patiently in line for the moment where they could have their reunion with Henderson.

Dressed in a gold shirt and red pants in true Gladiator spirit, Henderson greeted each player by

name and with a hug, inquiring about their lives and sharing old memories from the good old days.

Former players grouped together around old photo albums and scrapbooks, talking about their glory days playing football for Henderson, highlighting the part of the story where Henderson chewed them out or gave them an encouraging pep talk. “(The tribute) hasn’t sunk in yet. It’s just awesome experience for me,” Henderson said.

After all this time, Henderson maintained his coaching spirit that he was known for and turned the night’s attention away from himself to his players. Walking up to the podium to speak, every chair in the room screeched as people stood and applauded the man who helped transform hundreds of boys into young men.

“I’m the one who should be standing up,” Henderson said.

Henderson was known for being an empowering coach to his players, but the continuous support in his life came from his family.

“I owe a lot to my family, especially to my wife.

She never knew who was going to walk in behind me through the front door,” Henderson said.

To complete the tribute, there was a special moment in store for Henderson -- the chance to walk

across Death Valley Field one more time, surrounded by the players he raised like his own sons.

“The best part of the tribute was when everyone was gathered around (Henderson) on the field getting ready to take a picture. Just to see the lives that he touched and the people who love him so much, as a coach and as a father. It was absolutely amazing,” McAllister Stephens, CCHS paraprofessional and former varsity football player, said.

Since he retired from CCHS in 1995, Henderson’s legacy has been immortalized. On October 11, 1996, one year after he retired, the CCHS stadium was named after him. His famous motto, “It can be done,” is painted in bright red letters on the wall of the weight room. Team pictures of Hendersoncoached Gladiators and trophies from 23 years of excellence line the walls of the weight room, the Gladiator Gallery and various trophy cases on campus.

Fourteen years after his Gladiators lit up the scoreboard for the last time, Henderson is remembered as fondly now as he was then. “(Henderson) was the perfect guy for the job.

Had he not come (to CCHS) there is no telling what could have happened,” Alexander said.

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May 2009

Sports

Region rumbles: Glads in ‘cat fights The fast pitch softball team lost their fourth game of the season in Region 8AAAA play. by mollie sherman

Photo by Isabel Atkinson Photo illustrations by Alexander Boza

A

fter their fourth game of the season, the Lady Glads softball team is still looking for its first victory. The team was defeated 15-0 on Sept. 10, 2009 by the Apalachee High School Wildcats.

The Wildcats came out swinging in the first inning, scoring 14 runs off of Clarke Central High School senior Rachel Grossman. The Lady Glads struggled to make critical catches and to record outs.

“We made mistakes with catching and getting a little excited once we did make a catch,” CCHS freshman first baseman Natalie Cline said.

In the bottom of the first inning CCHS went to bat, but failed to get any runs. Their time at bat was considerably shorter than that of AHS. The Lady Glads stepped up their defense and allowed only one run by Wildcat’s Shawnee Patterson. CCHS made mistakes throughout the game offensively, but some CCHS players felt as though the defense performed well.

“I think our defense did really good, and our offense tried as hard as they could,” CCHS sophomore catcher Sabrina Partridge said.

Freshman Alex Dominicali came in the third inning and relieved Grossman as pitcher. The defense held the score at 15-0 for the rest of the game, which was stopped in the third inning as the mercy rule came into play. The mercy rule states that if a team is leading by 15 after three complete innings, the game is over.

Although AHS scored 15 runs, this was an improvement from previous weeks. The Lady Glads recently suffered a 35-0 loss against Winder-Barrow High School and a 18-0 loss against Habersham Central High School. These losses for the Lady Glads only build up more motivation for them to improve in their following games.

“Every time we lose, we try harder and harder to win the next time,” CCHS freshman center fielder Hendley Landers said.

The less experienced team, which includes five freshmen, is still improving on basic softball skills, such as grasping an awareness of what to do next on the field. “( We can improve on) throwing and catching better, where to throw, and being prepared,” Cline said.

CCHS Assistant coach Jessica Walston feels as though the technicalities on the field are not the only thing preventing the team from being successful. “(The team can improve by) being prepared for the games, getting here on time, you know, actually wanting to be here.

The energy was not there today. The girls weren’t there in the head,” Walston said.

The CCHS coaches consider games like this one “practice” to prepare for later games. With motivation and practice, the Lady Glads hope to pull out that first win of the season, and continue on a winning streak instead of a losing one.

“We’re aggressive and we never give up. We lost by 15 today, but we’ll keep on going,” Cline said.

Sports Writer

Above: PITCHING IN: Clarke Central High School senior pitcher Rachel Grossman battled against region rivals Apalachee High School on Sept. 10. “We can do better if we try, but I feel like we didn’t try today,” Grossman said. Right: GAINING GROUND: Junior Quarterback Martay Mattox eludes defenders as he is forced from the pocket against the Apalachee Wildcats on Sept.

18. Mattox and the glads fell 21-7.

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The unbeaten Apalachee High School Wildcats clawed their way to a region win at home against the Gladiators on Sept. 18, 2009.

by Fakari Gresham Sports Writer

D

rama was in the air during the pregame warmup pitting Apalachee High School against Clarke Central High School, Region 8AAAA’s last

two unbeaten teams.

Prior to the game, CCHS senior defensive end Ryan Faust tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament, and was hauled off the field. Faust, a vocal leader on the team and last year’s sack leader, would not return to the game.

The Wildcats received the ball to start the game and retained possession for 9:03 of the first quarter by taking advantage of their ground attack.

However, the drive ended on a missed field goal by AHS kicker Guy Hunt, who had the distance, but not the accuracy. The Glads were also unable to score on their first possession.

The second quarter of play began differently, as the Wildcats launched their aerial assault. Junior quarterback Mike Norman connected with senior John Ansley on the right side of the field for a 35-yard completion and the first score of the game. Ansley would vault over two defenders, juniors Herb Evans and Ty Simmons, to catch the pass, showing his versatility at wide receiver, although he lines up at running back.

“We knew going into halftime we were down, but we were ready to get back on the field,” CCHS defensive lineman Devon Morrison said. “In the locker room, everybody was quiet but at the same time everyone knew that we had individual responsibilities if we wanted win.”

To start the second half, CCHS received the ball, but found no offensive success. The Wildcats drove the ball downfield putting them just out of field goal range. Senior defensive back Braxton Hudson blocked the ‘cat’s punt giving the Gladiators the ball on the Wildcat’s 30- yard line.

With 7:11 left in the third quarter, CCHS quarterback junior Martay Mattox scored on a four-yard touchdown run, his sixth rushing touchdown of the season, tying the score 7-7. Mattox could not find his touch in the passing game, finishing 5 of 16 for just 44 yards.

The Wildcats would answer with a six-yard touchdown run, after moving the ball 94 yards on 15 plays. Senior fullback Christian Hoard plunged into the end zone with 20 seconds left in the third quarter.

The fourth quarter began with AHS leading the Glads 14-7. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Mattox threw an interception to Hoard, who also plays defense.

On the ensuing play, AHS senior Reggie Battle would find his way into the end zone, high stepping his way through the defensive line of CCHS. Battle who transferred from CCHS last year now plays for the Wildcats.

Battle’s touchdown made the score 21-7, and was a dagger in the heart of CCHS players and fans. To add insult to injury, All-State Receiver senior Dimitri Holmes pulled his groin during the fourth quarter after connecting on only one pass from Mattox.

Costly turnovers and two major CCHS injuries put AHS ahead of the previously undefeated, No. 9 state ranked Gladiators in the region.

“The lost to Apalachee was tough. We lost but I think it was more of us having a bad game, making mental mistakes more than them being the better team. Our defense played good all night, we just didn’t produce well on offense,” Mattox said.

ODYSSEY NEWSMAGAZINE

Sports

May 2009 Speed kills

Grade: 11 Sport: Softball Years experience: 1 GPA: 3.8 Game day rituals: “I try to stay positive all day. It makes things a little easier.”

Personal motto: “Always stay positive.”

What teammates say: “She is always trying her hardest. She always catches everything and I’ve never seen anyone be able to do that on our team.” –Alex Dominicali, freshman What coaches say: “Lindsey is one of the surprise delights of this season for me. Her athleticism has helped her pick up the skills rather quickly; more importantly, her sheer determination has helped her move forward in the game. ” -- Chandra Power, head coach Best athletic achievement: Recieving most improved while playing basketball in eighth grade.

P

Photo illustration by Alexander Boza

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

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 selected each month by the Sports staff based on interviews with players and coaches.

Grade: 9 Sport: Cross Country Years experience: 3 GPA: 4.0 Game day rituals: “Eat a lot of carbs, listen to a lot of music, and sleep a lot.”

Personal Motto: “Through endurance, we conquer.”

What teammates say: “Carver gets along very well with the team and motivates the rest of the freshmen to exceed.” Nic Colon, senior What coaches say: “Carver is a great hard-worker. He is a freshman who is already a strong addition to our varsity squad.” -- Coach Dale Autry Best athletic acheivement: “I ran an 11:02 in a two mile event last year (at Clarke Middle School).”

Photo illustration by Alexander Boza

ads engulfed the small frames of our athletes, players no bigger than the pylon at the end of the field. The football gods were already against us: we’re small.

These were my initial thoughts watching the premiere of the Clarke Central High School football team against tenth ranked Loganville High School Red Devils.

To my, and surely Red Devil fan’s surprise, the Gladiators ran past, around and over the defending Region Champions, 20-15. Fallen with the Red Above: GAINING LEVERAGE: The Clarke Central High Devils was School defensive line lines up against Loganville High their proverSchool on Aug. 28th. CCHS lacks height on the defensive bial running line with only one player over six feet tall. back, Storm Johnson, who showed up more like a soft drizzle in the face of a much more athletic and aggressive Gladiator defense. Although this upset victory astonished many spectators, the players have known all summer that they have what it takes.

“We worked hard over the summer; we’re a much smarter team playing wise this year, instead of just flying around everywhere, we’re playing our assignments. This year we’re just trying to go out, have fun, play hard and just keep the momentum up. Make teams play at our speed,” Tony Glenn, a 5’6” 145 pounds starting cornerback, said.

Since the arrival of head coach Leroy Ryals at CCHS in 2006, the Gladiators have improved their win total every year: six, seven and last year’s nine, the highest total since 2003. However, the surprising thing is how they have done it and who they have done it with.

Glenn is the prototypical Gladiator, small, fast and deceptively strong. The roster is filled with two-way players who are athletic enough to play multiple positions. However the concern for this year’s team is size. Few players on the Glad roster break six feet and even fewer weigh more than 250 pounds.

That puts pressure on the Glads to utilize the incredible team speed on the field, a strategy that works - up until the state playoffs, which has been the latest bane of Ryals’s coaching career. Last year when faced with a much bigger, welldisciplined, playoff team, Sequoyah High School, the Glads lost 34-13, in front of a home audience.

Ranked ninth by the Atlanta Journal Constitution in the State AAAA after the third week of the season, the Gladiators look to push past the first round of the playoffs, proving that you can’t teach size, but you can sure teach winning.

Photo by Alexander Boza

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May 2009

Sports

Photo by Dylan Reeves

Fall sports

Football

Last season: 9-2 Head coach: Leroy Ryals Season outlook: “We are young on offense and inexperienced. I feel good about the defense, and look forward to seeing what our special teams are going to do,” Key returning players: Terrence Bradshaw, Devante Derricote, Ryan Faust, Dimitri Holmes, Martay Mattox, Rush Maxwell, Jordan Pierce, Alan Posey

Key senior losses: Paris Allen, LaRodney Carter, Martavious Huff, Jamorris Swain, John Wilson Assistant coaches: Ahren Self, Forrest Paulson, Mike Williams, Peter Graybeck, Damien Gary, Aaron Cavin, Nick Allen, Chris Hulse

preview

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Boys Cross Country Last season: 5th in region Head coach: Dale Autry

Season outlook: “I wouldn’t be surprised if the guy’s team is in the mix to qualify for state.”-- Drew Haro, assistant coach Key returning players: Dillon Bawayan, Nic Colon, Ethan Davis, Daniel DeSimone, Ivan Santillan, Elliott Radcliffe, Wakefield Rogers

Last season: 0-16 Head coach: Chandra Power

Season outlook: “I’m very excited about the potential of this team and the possibilities for the future. We’re very young, as a team, and we’re definitely in a building year. There’s a lot of raw talent on the team, so I am sure that in the next couple of years CCHS softball will be wearing a new face and reputation.” --Chandra Power, head coach Key returning players: Jasmine Dixon, Leslie Farrell Key senior losses: Sam Adkins, Crystal Mitchell, Olivia Swisher, Amber Thomas Assistant coach: Erin Cawthon

Key senior losses: John Yebra, Israel Martinez, Ben Andrews

Photo by Alexander Morris

Assistant coach: Drew Haro

Volleyball

Softball

Season outlook: “We’ve gotten off to a good start. I am looking forward to dominating in the sub-region this year.

The girls are really having fun and playing well together.”

-- Ashlee Wegmann, head coach Key returning players: Briana Bowles, Kalyn Breeding, Tamara Jones, Kate Ruston Key senior losses: Christina Downs, Hayden Guest

Photo by Isabel Atkinson

Last season: 14-19 Head coach: Ashlee Wegmann

Assistant coaches: Taylor Hein, Stacey Scott

Photo by Alexander Boza

l l

Girls Cross Country Last season: 3rd in region Head coach: Emily Dowd

Head coach: Leslie Smithwick

Photo by Alexander Boza Photo illustrations by Alexander Boza

Season outlook: “We hope to cheer for the CCHS Gladiators all the way to at least two post season games!

We hope to add stunts and tumbling and more cheers and chants this year.” -- Leslie Smithwick, head coach Key returning players: Maya Daniels, Ashley Franklin, Jade Maxey, Mia Thomas Key senior losses: Jasmyne Barnett, Felecia Buckles, Sara Buckler, Mercedes Dickert, Maya Haynes, Krislyn Johnson, Kimsey King, Lucy Pinto, Nisha Sims

Key returning players: Kaitlin Kasay, Joyce Lu, Claire Rosemond, Katie Rosemond, Key senior losses: Rachel Amster, Sara De LaTorre, Maggie Friedline, Alice Hilton, Hillary Liken, Blanca Soto, Lauren Wooten, Assistant coach: Tom Dover

Assistant coach: Kathy Erikson

Photo by Alexander Boza

Cheerleading

Season outlook: “All you can do is encourage everyone to do better and see how you stack up in the end.” -- Emily Dowd, head coach

-- Compiled by the Sports Staff

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